Tom Mercer & I condense the Town Council meeting of Feb 5 in this "Quarterbacking" session (audio)

FM #1375 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1375 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 Thursday, February 6, 2025.  Our conversation condenses the Council meeting of Wednesday night (Feb 5) with a focus on two questions:

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

Topics for this session

• Fire Department - Promotions Captain Matthew Kelly & Lieutenant Jeffrey Ward

• PUBLIC HEARINGS

• a. Order of Layout, Acceptance, and Taking of September Drive and Countryside Lane and Drainage Lots Parcels A and B and Easements

• b. New Common Victualler Section 12 Restaurant All Alcoholic Beverages License and Approval of Karan Goswami as the Manager - Kaushik Restaurants Inc. d/b/a Mirchi Indian Cuisine

• PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION - ALS/BLS Trends - EMS Battalion Chief Billy “Numbers” Blanchard, EMS Captain Laurie Kaye

• Legislation for action

• Resolution 25-07: Order of Layout, Acceptance, and Taking of September Drive and Countryside Lane and Drainage Lots Parcels A and B and Easements

• Bylaw Amendment 25-924: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Fees, Municipal Service - First Reading

• Resolution 25-10: Adoption of the 2025 Master Plan for the Town of Franklin  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4018/Final-Report

• Resolution 25-04: Capital Improvement Plan

• Resolution 25-02: Statewide Opioid Settlement Fund Appropriation

• Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-919: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185 Section 20 of the Code of the Town of Franklin - Signs (at C. 3.)

• Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-920: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185 Section 20 of the Code of the Town of Franklin- Signs (at E.2.)

• Bylaw Amendment 25-922: Amendment to Sewer System Map

• Bylaw Amendment 25-923: Amendment to Water System Map

• Resolution 25-08: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44, §53F3/4

• Resolution 25-09: Acceptance of Gifts - Senior Center ($50), Veterans’ ($2,550), & Recreation ($8,405)

Let’s listen to my conversation with Tom as we recap the Town Council meeting held this week. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1375-town-council-quarterbacking-02-06-25/

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Franklin TV video is ready for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/4rx-pHX5q_Q?&t=161 

The Agenda doc and most materials released for this session ->   https://franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02052025-1546 

Fire Dept presentation on call volume leading to an increase in ambulance rates

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4402/Fire-EMS-Presentation-2525?bidId= 

My notes in one PDF file ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Z9V6bpd4oFls9lbGgb1nzVoDhi8wu6cV/view?usp=drive_link 

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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

• 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!

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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"

 

Tom Mercer & I condense the Town Council meeting of Feb 5 in this "Quarterbacking" session (audio)

Franklin’s Holiday Happenings & Gift Guide

Just in time for Small Business Saturday, the Holiday Guide spotlights all things Franklin making it easy to “keep it local” for shopping this winter season.

Find the full guide online -> https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Franklin-Holiday-Happenings---Gift-Guide-2024.html?soid=1120641810412&aid=-tD8KZw1HyI

Or download a PDF version here ->    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GUFd2T05Hsqb9wKckwE4ajO63AKVnCUw/view?usp=drive_link

Franklin’s Holiday Happenings & Gift Guide

Holiday Happenings & Gift Guide Will Inspire Holiday Spirit and Gift Ideas

Franklin’s Holiday Happenings & Gift Guide will hit the streets on Saturday November 30th – just in time for Small Business Saturday. The Holiday Guide spotlights all things Franklin making it easy to “keep it local” for shopping this winter season.

Holiday Happenings & Gift Guide

Franklin Downtown Partnership (FDP) business members spotlight their special sales, promotions, activities, and events for the season in the Holiday Guide on the Partnership’s website. Make sure you check it out for shopping, food, services, and entertainment.

View the Holiday Happenings & Gift Guide at the Partnership’s newly designed website at franklindowntownpartnership.org for the current list of Franklin’s small businesses and all they are offering.

The Holiday Guide includes great gift ideas and special treats for shopping for the upcoming season. The guide also lists special holiday events and activities in town. It gives shoppers the inspiration they need for food, clothing, and gifts for yourself and others as we prepare for any special occasion or holiday celebration. Remember to shop local!

Stay up to date info and follow the FDP on Instagram at: 

https://www.instagram.com/franklindowntownpartnership/  and Facebook at:

https://www.facebook.com/franklindowntownpartnership.org/

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization made up of more than 350 business owners, residents, and community leaders working to revitalize downtown Franklin. Residents can join the Downtown Partnership for $25. The Partnership manages events like the Strawberry Stroll and the Harvest Festival, and initiatives such as beautification, streetscape design, greenspace, alley murals, and sculpture projects. For more information go to www.franklindowntownpartnership.org

Franklin, MA: Town Council Meeting Agenda for May 1, 2024 session

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

May 1, 2024 at 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. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - None Scheduled

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

a. Proclamation: Chris Stearns, Franklin TV 

b. Police Department - Introduction

i. Mental Health Clinician Caroline Ferris

5. APPOINTMENTS

a. Conservation Commission - Nicole Chiaramonte   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/con_com_appointment_-_nicole_chiaramonte_v2.pdf

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

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Presentation: FY23 Financial Audit - Scott McIntire, Partner, Marcum LLP   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/8a._-_audit_for_presentation_-_franklin_ma_fs23_-_draft_v2.pdf

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 24-19: Override Pledge to the Citizens of Franklin

(Motion to Approve Resolution 24-19 - Majority Vote)

b. Resolution 24-20: Setting Date of Proposition 2 ½ Override Ballot

(Motion to Approve Resolution 24-20 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9b._resolution_24-20_-_override_ballot_date.pdf

c. Resolution 24-21: Proposition 2 ½ Override Ballot Question

(Motion to Approve Resolution 24-21 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9c._resolution_24-21_-_override_ballot_question.pdf

d. Resolution 24-22: Adoption of Fiscal Policies

(Motion to Approve Resolution 24-22 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/24-22_-_adoption_of_fiscal_policies_v4.pdf

e. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-906: Changes to §185-3. Definitions, Mixed Use Development Definition - Referral to the Planning Board  (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-906 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/24-906_907_908_-_3_zoning_bylaws.pdf

f. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-907: Changes to §185-21 Parking, Loading and Driveway Requirements, Elimination of Minimum Parking Requirements in Downtown Commercial Zoning District - Referral to the Planning Board

(Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-907 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9f._bylaw_amendment_24-907.pdf

g. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-908: §185 Attachment 7. Part VI, Addition of Mixed Use Development to Use Regulation Schedule - Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-908 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9g._bylaw_amendment_24-908.pdf

h. Resolution 24-23: Acceptance of Gift - Town of Franklin ($300,000)

(Motion to Approve Resolution 24-23 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/24-23_-_gift_acceptance_-_king_st._playground_0.pdf

i. Resolution 24-24: Acceptance of Gift of Trees - Town of Franklin

(Motion to Approve Resolution 24-24 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/24-24_-_gift_acceptance_-_trees_trugreen_donation.pdf

j. Resolution 24-25: Acceptance of Gift - Conservation Commission ($50)

(Motion to Approve Resolution 24-25 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/24-25_-_gift_acceptance_-_conservation_commission_0.pdf

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Capital Budget Subcommittee

b. Economic Development Subcommittee

c. Budget Subcommittee

d. Master Plan Committee

e. Davis-Thayer Reuse Advisory Committee

f. Police Station Building Committee

g. GATRA Advisory Board

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. 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

The Agenda doc also contains remote participation info ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_may_1_2024_agenda.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council Meeting Agenda for May 1, 2024 session

What to know about holiday gift returns

What to know about holiday gift returns By Colleen Tressler, FTC If you got a gift this holiday season that wasn't quite right, you may be looking to return it.  Here's some advice to help make the process go more smoothly. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2023/12/what-know-about-holiday-gift-returns

What to know about holiday gift returns

Franklin Downtown Partnership presents the Holiday Gift Guide for 2023

The Holiday Gift Guide is too long to share here so you can find the full set of content in on PDF file ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1j7JAyTsmduZYjgLjkKn6vy59MMRjSz-K/view?usp=drive_link

One item left off the gift guide to consider is the Think Franklin First gift cards

https://franklingiftcard.com/   Introduced in Dec 2020, you can find the FAQ on the gift cards -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/12/faqs-for-thinkfranklinfirst-gift-cards.html

https://franklingiftcard.com/

Buy Local

Keep It Local Support Franklin Businesses Thank You to the Sponsors of this Holiday Newsletter: GOLD SPONSORS: Camford Property Group, Inc., D.G. Ranieri Real Estate, The Enclave of Franklin BRONZE SPONSORS: DCU Mary's Holiday Lights Light Up Downtown Franklin and Beyond   Franklin Downtown Partnership 9 E. Central St., Franklin | 774-571-3109

Franklin Downtown Partnership | 9 E. Central St., Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by franklindowntownpartnership@gmail.com powered by Try email marketing for free today!

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

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

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

Quick recap:

APPOINTMENTS

a. Agricultural Commission i. Nick Capoccia

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

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

d. Finance Committee i. Lauren Nagel

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

Legislative delegation visit: Senator Rebecca Rausch, Representative Jeffrey Roy

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

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

 

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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

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

L-R: Kaye Kelly, Senator Becca Rausch