Franklin Residents: Reminder from the Town Clerk's Office to all dog owners

Reminder from the Town Clerk's Office to all dog owners:

All dog owners must register their dog 6 months and older annually. Registration runs from Jan. 1st to April 1st. Dogs not licensed by April 1st are considered unlicensed and late fees will apply. 

If you have any questions, please visit our website www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk or contact the Town Clerks Office at 508-520-4900 or email tburr@franklinma.gov

Top Dog Contest: Please be sure to enter your dogs favorite photo into our Top Dog Contest. This will be a drawing!

Last day to enter is April 1st. Drawing will be on April 2nd. Please visit our website for more information.

Thank you!

The Top Dog photo board as of March 18

Town Council summary - Dec 19, 2018

The recap of the Town Council meeting held Wednesday, Dec 19, 2018.

Liquor license renewals
The annual liquor license renewals came up for approval. Those businesses with outstanding bills will have their license held until the outstanding items are completed. 
The listing of the current liquor licenses can be found online

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/2019_alcohol_renewals.pdf

Technology Update
Tim Raposa, Technology Director, provided an update on the work of the department. "There isn’t a department in here that doesn’t need technology" was aptly quoted in the MDN article on his presentation. I took several photos of his presentation and will share the deck when it is available (not yet posted to Town page).

Photos captured of the presentation can be found online
https://photos.app.goo.gl/z9aGETegsyeeCEZJ8


Mixed Business Innovation
The package of 6 zoning bylaw amendments came before the Town Council for potential referral to the Planning Board. They had been reviewed at the Economic Development Committee and came forward with a 3-1 vote (Kelly the lone 'no' vote).

Kelly clearly wants something in the bylaw to allow for residential use but exactly what would meet that requirement was not discussed explicitly or agreed to during the meeting. While some other councilors agree that residential use would make sense, it doesn't for the building that is currently on site. The bylaw amendments did get referred to the Planning Board. Kelly voted against one of the amendments but voted for all the others.

The Planning Board will hold two public hearings and make a recommendation on the measures to send back to the Council. The Council will also hold two public hearings and either make adjustments to the language or leave it as is. The timing on all of this would bring a 'final' decision sometime as early as mid-February or March 2019.

The formal "Actions Taken" document was not yet published. When it is, it will be linked to here.

one of the Technology slides depicts the town school split for the technology personnel

My detailed notes taken during the meeting can be found in the links below:

• Live reporting: from Town Administrators Report to...

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/12/live-reporting-from-town-administrators.html

• Live reporting: Legislation for Action

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/12/live-reporting-legislation-for-action.html

• Live Reporting: Technology Dept

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/12/live-reporting-technology-dept.html

• Live Reporting: Town Council - Dec 19, 2019

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/12/live-reporting-town-council-dec-19-2019.html

Live Reporting: Town Council - Dec 19, 2019

Present: Hamblen, Casey, Dellorco, Mercer, Jones, Padula, Pellegri, Earls
Absent: none

Agenda Item	Summary
Town Council Meeting Agenda	Meeting of December 19, 2018 - 7:00 PM
1. ANNOUNCEMENTS	a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast Channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.
2. CITIZENS COMMENTS	a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five 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
4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS	None
5. APPOINTMENTS	None
6. HEARINGS	None
7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS	a. 2019 Annual Alcoholic Beverages License Renewals

motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0

The listing of the current liquor licenses can be found online

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/2019_alcohol_renewals.pdf

In the News: Bellingham 140 construction begins; RealID popular at RMV

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"It’s about to get even busier on the town’s stretch of Rte. 140 – at least for a few months. 

Contractors this week will likely begin a roughly $2.5 million road construction project to widen the intersection at Rte. 140 and Maple and South Maple streets, add lanes, and upgrade the traffic signals. 

“There will be congestion,” Bellingham Department of Public Works Director Don DiMartino said. “There will be construction delays.” 

He suggested drivers try to avoid the area, but acknowledged the route is key on several commutes. Rte. 140 links Bellingham to Interstate 495 and the Franklin commuter rail station, and is close to both downtown and an industrial zone."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180917/rte-140-construction-in-bellingham-expected-to-cause-delays

"More than four months after the state started issuing driver’s licenses that comply with the federal Real ID security law, the standard license continues to be the most popular service option for customers at Registry of Motor Vehicles locations, according to data presented Monday. 

For customers who get their licenses at AAA locations instead of RMV branches, however, the Real ID is the most popular option, Registrar Erin Deveney told the Department of Transportation Board of Directors. 

Massachusetts in March began offering the Real ID-compliant licenses, which require additional documentation to obtain. Starting Oct. 1, 2020, the standard licenses that are not Real ID-compliant will no longer be accepted as identification for domestic air travel or entering federal buildings and nuclear power plants."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180917/rmv-chief-outlines-real-id-wait-time-trends

https://www.mass.gov/guides/real-id

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Dec 13, 2017

The published agenda and documents for the Franklin Town Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, December 13, 2017

(Note: where there are active links in the agenda item, it will take you to the associated document)

You can also find the full set of documents in one PDF

http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/december_13_town_council_meeting_agenda_0.pdf

Agenda Item	Summary
A. Approval of Minutes	A. Approval of Minutes - November 15, 2017
B. Announcements	B. Announcements - This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29. This meeting may also be recorded by others.
C. Proclamations/Recognitions	C. Proclamations/Recognitions - Honoring Public Safety - Teerith Pasricha, Audrey DiMella
D. Citizen Comments	D. Citizen Comments - Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five 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.
E. Appointments	E. Appointments
F. Hearings	F. Hearings
G. License Transaction	G. License Transactions - 2018 Annual Alcoholic Beverages License Renewals
H. Presentations/Discussions	H. Presentations/Discussions - Franklin Senior Center - Karen Alves
I. Subcommittee Reports	I. Subcommittee Reports
J. Legislation for Action	J. Legislation for Action 1. Resolution 17-74: Acceptance of Gift - Council on Aging 2. Resolution 17-75: Acceptance of Gift - Franklin Veterans Memorial Path Account 3. Resolution 17-76: Acceptance of Gift - Franklin Veterans Memorial Path Account 4. Resolution 17-77: Legal Notices 5. Resolution 17-78: 2018 Schedule of Town Council Meetings
K. Town Administrator's Report	K. Town Administrator's Report
L. Future Agenda Items	L. Future Agenda Items
M. Council Comments	M. Council Comments
N. Executive Session	N. Executive Session - None
O. Adjourn	O. Adjourn

Franklin Senior Center

Live reporting: License transaction for 99 Restaurant

G. License Transactions	G. License Transactions - 99 Restaurant - Change in Officer/Director - 7:10pm (Motion to Remove 99 Restaurant License Transaction from the Table - Majority Vote (5))
H. Presentations/Discussions	H. Presentations/Discussions none

motion to remove from table, seconded, passed 9-0

corporate move of filing with corporate personnel changing

there was an error in the filing

there is nothing to affect the operations locally

our corporate apologies, there was a mix-up 

responsible service, everyone is required for Tip certification

side issue with Bissanti and the 'tragic rewrite of the bylaw'

Attention Residents of Franklin - - 2017 Annual Census Forms - Dog Registration Reminder

You should have received your 2017 Annual Street Listing Census Form in the mail. The Annual census form must be signed and returned to the Town Clerk’s Office within 10 days of receipt. 

Residents are reminded that census forms need to be returned even when no changes are necessary to their census information. 

In accordance with MGL Ch 51, Sec 4c, failure to respond to the annual census shall result in removal from the active voting list and may result in removal from the voter registration rolls. 

If you have not returned your form, please do ASAP. If you did not receive a Census Form, please contact the Town Clerk’s Office. 

Those who did return your forms, Thank you very much!!

2017 Dog Registration

All dog owners must register their dogs annually. Registration runs from Jan. 1st to April 1st.

Dogs not licensed by April 1st are considered unlicensed and late fees will apply.

If residents have any questions regarding dog licensing, Please visit our website www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk or contact the Town Clerks Office at 508-520-4900 or via email at townclerk@franklin.ma.us

Thank you,

Teresa M. Burr, Town Clerk

Attention Residents of Franklin - - 2017 Annual Census Forms - Dog Registration Reminder

Reminder from the Franklin Town Clerk regarding Census, Dog Registration, and Town Election

Greeting Franklin Residents! Here is what’s happening this week of January 22. 

Census Forms

Everyone should be receiving their Census and Dog Registration Forms for 2017 in the mail. Please return your Census form within 10 days of receiving it. This is mandated by the Massachusetts General Laws.

Biennial Town Election

This year will be our Biennial Town Election, November 7, 2017. To register to vote you may visit (registertovotema.com) or request a registration form from the Town Clerks office. Last day to register to vote is October 18, 2017

Dog registration

Dog registration is due April 1st. NEW: A late fee will apply after April 1st. You may register your dog online at https://franklinma.viewpointcloud.com/

Town Clerk Contact info

Please visit our website http://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk for further information or please contact us at (508)520-4900 (townclerk@franklin.ma.us) with any questions.

Thank you,

Teresa M. Burr
Town Clerk


This was shared from the Town of Franklin webpage
http://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/notice-town-clerk-regarding-census-dog-registration-and-town-elections

Town Clerk page on the revised Town of Franklin website

Updated fee schedule - dog license renewals coming via online transaction in January 2017

"Effective January 1, 2017, the Town of Franklin will update its fee schedule for all service fees. Please see the attached fee schedule for details. If you have any questions, please call the Administrator's Office at 508-520-4949.

The Town of Franklin had not done a comprehensive analysis of the fee schedule in almost twenty years. Based off customer and staff feedback, the Town has streamlined the fee system and accurately capture the cost of doing business. Overall, we have eliminated 116 fee's or fee categories that were outdated, unnecessary, duplicative or just simply needed to be updated to reflect current day laws and town operations.

The Town is also investing in new software and technology to assist in better customer service. Beginning on January 1, 2017, a pilot program will begin in the Town Clerk's Office for dog licensing. The Town has invested in a cloud based company, Viewpoint, to allow residents to establish an online account with the Town to register their dogs, submit rabies certificates, veterinary information and receive email notifications for renewal dates and deadlines. We hope this new software is a better convenience to our residents. 

Please visit www.franklinma.gov in January to license your dog. You will receive your dog tags in the mail. No trips to Town Hall are necessary. If this software is successful, we will begin expanding the services to other town departments in the coming years for building permits, conservation permits, liquor licenses, tax payments and much more. Our goal is to allow residents to establish an online account, like and Amazon.com, to be able to conduct your business with town government 24-7-365 at your convenience, during your busy schedules. We welcome any feedback!

We have also updated and modernized the Community Assistance Program to assist qualifying residents of certain incomes to apply for discounts on their water, sewer, and trash bills. Discounts are also available for Recreation Department programs. Please contact the DPW or Recreation Department for specific details on their programs and offerings. We hope these programs can offer modest assistance to allow everyone to thrive in Franklin and participate in our vast Recreation programs."

The new listing of Municipal Service fees can be found here
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/municipal_service_fees_list_2016.pdf

The current link to forms will be replaced in January with an online transaction for dog license renewals

This was shared from the Town of Franklin webpage:
http://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/updated-law-chapter-82town-service-fee-schedule

Live reporting: Annual License Renewals

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

Public Hearing - 7:10 pm

The agenda shows a public hearing but that is a mistake, there is no public hearing for this matter

The listing of the license holders (with tax holds or not) can be found here

http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/annual_licensing.pdf

motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0

Franklin Updates

The Franklin webpage had a bunch of updates Thursday and Friday of this week. I have shared them here:

DelCarte Recreation Plans and Maps
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/01AA78F9-000F8513


Street Sweeping

The Department of Public Works will commence street sweeping operations on Monday, April 29th. Sweeping will start downtown and will be followed by primary roadways. Secondary roadways and subdivisions will be swept based upon the order for the 2013 street sweeping zones. Street sweeping is expected to take up to 3 months and is weather dependent. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact the Department of Public Works.   Link to map

http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/01AA7117-000F8513


Dog Licenses

Town Clerk, Deborah L. Pellegri is reminding dog owners that licenses are due April 1^st.  Owners have until July 1^ST to come into the office or mail in a renewal to obtain a 2013 license without any additional fees.  After July 1, the late fee will be $25.00 plus the cost of the dog tag.  Please remember to license your dog TODAY and avoid any late charges.  All dogs must show updated rabies information if it is not on file with us.

http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/01AA425D-000F8513


4th Quarter Property Tax Bills

Treasurer Collector James P. Dacey has mailed fourth quarter fiscal 2013 real estate and personal property tax bills. Bills are due May 1, 2013. Payments received after due date are charged 14% interest.

http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/01AA7217-000F8513


Cultural Council

The Cultural Council is looking for member Please see contacts above if you would like information about the committee.  If you are interested, please complete the committee request form and return to the Town Clerk's Office.  Committee Request Form

http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/0190401F-000F8513

Hydrant Flushing

Live reporting - appointments, licenses renewals

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
none

E. APPOINTMENTS
Cultural Council - Caterina Colson
motion to appoint, seconded, passed 8-0

2013-2014 Election Workers
motion to appoint, seconded, passed 8-0

F. HEARINGS

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
Change of Location and Alteration of Premises - Pour Richard’s Wine and Spirits
moving to 14 Grove St, looking to move subject to approval and completion of the improvements
motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0

2013 Annual Alcoholic Beverages Licenses Renewals
with a few licenses being held back until past due invoices are paid in full
while some of the restaurants are on the listing, there maybe another party (land owner for example) responsible for the tax bills.
motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0

Live reporting - License renewals, Master Plan

(five minute recess)

F. HEARINGS
none

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
– Annual Alcoholic Beverages Licenses Renewal
motion to renew licenses for 2012, passed 8-0
3 licenses being held

Maplegate Country CLub
Incontro
one other

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
– Elements of Master Plan
Bryan Taberner
working for almost 2 years now on elements of the overall plan
remaining work is with the action items
goals and policy sections are open and important
there is also an implementation plan
community services is also a section
open space recreation

Key now to create a committee
various other boards have representation, would like to get Town Council and community representation for the remainder of the work to be done
subcommittees can be devised, not a critical number ot have but should be workable
2 councilors volunteered thus far
call for citizens, contact Jeff Nutting's office

DPW, Jim Estabrook

Jeff Roy interested in the strategic plan component

Live reporting - license renewals

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
Annual Alcoholic Beverages License Renewals
one business on the list has paid (Alumni) two remaining will be held until they have paid. This is normal procedure

motion to approve, passed 7-0


Franklin, MA

Live reporting - license transactions

E. APPOINTMENTS
none

F. HEARINGS
none

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
– 99 Restaurant – New Officer & Director
 
motion to approve, 
A formality, everything is order

Passed 8-0

Live reporting - License transactions

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS –  Annual Alcohol License Renewals

recommending acceptance of the listing (pending three for outstanding fees)
motion to approve - passed 8-0


H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS  none


I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS  none

Sign up for the RMV driver license renewal reminders

One could quibble about the RMV's driver's license renewal reminder program in that you have to sign up to make it effect. But then technically that is following a good "opt in" practice.

The Registry of Motor Vehicles offers an online service that will remind drivers 30 days before their driver’s license is due to expire.

Residents who sign up for the service can choose a reminder by phone, email or text and there is no additional cost to the public. 

The new service replaces the mail reminder program that was discontinued earlier this year as a cost-saving measure.

The new reminder service is provided by the RMV in collaboration with Sendza, Inc. and is sponsored by local businesses.  Any information you provide is protected by a strict privacy policy.

Drivers are encouraged to sign up for the program. For more information visit www.mass.gov/rmv.

Live reporting - license transactions

E. APPOINTMENTS - none

F. HEARINGS - none

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS –
. Cottage Street Pub & Grill, Inc. – Pledge of License approved 7-0
. Franklin Lodge #2136 BPOE., Inc. – Change of Manager approved 7-0 as amended
. Applebee’s Northeast, Inc. – Change of Manager approved 7-0

Live reporting - 2009 license renewals

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS – Annual Alcohol License Renewals

a listing of establishments was read and approved



a second listing of establishments that have not passed inspections was postponed until 12/17/08 - this listing was amended to include Caso's Bar & Grill (which BTW is currently closed)




a third listing of establishments that are delinquent for taxes was also postponed for action until 12/17/08

Motion on License Renewals (audio)

The Town Council after some discussion and clarifications passed by 7-0 vote a number of license renewals.

Time: 3 minutes, 37 seconds



MP3 File