Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Dec 16, 2020

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

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. 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. 

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

November 18, 2020   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/3a._november_18_2020_tc_meeting_minutes_-_draft_for_review.docx.pdf

4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

None Scheduled

5. APPOINTMENTS

None Scheduled 

6. HEARINGS - 7:10pm

Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-861: Zoning Map Changes on or near Oak Street 

Legislation for Action Item: 10a.  

Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-862: Zoning Map Changes on or near Longhill Rd. & Pleasant St.

Legislation for Action Item: 10b.    

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10a._20-861_oak_1.pdf

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

2021 Annual Alcoholic Beverages License Renewals

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/7._2021_license_renewals.pdf

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS

None Scheduled

9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Capital Budget Subcommittee

b. Budget Subcommittee

c. Economic Development Subcommittee

10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-861: Zoning Map Changes on or near Oak Street - Second Reading (Motion to Adopt Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-861 - Two Thirds Majority Roll Call Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10a._20-861_oak_0.pdf

10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-862: Zoning Map Changes on or near Longhill Road and Pleasant Street - Second Reading (Motion to Adopt Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-862 - Two Thirds Majority Roll Call Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10b._20-862_longhillpleasant_0.pdf

10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

Bylaw Amendment 20-864 As Amended: To Amend The Code of the Town of Franklin to Add A New Chapter 16 Community Preservation Committee (CPC) - Second Reading (Motion to Adopt Bylaw Amendment 20-864 - Majority Roll Call Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10c._20-864_cpc_1.pdf

10d. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

Resolution 20-75: Authorization For Town Administrator To Enter Into Lease Purchase Financing Agreement To Fund Upgrade Of DPW G.P.S. System Devices (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-75 - Two Thirds Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10d._20-75_gps_lease.pdf

10e. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

Resolution 20-76: Appropriation Transfer To Water Treatment Plant Fund Authorized Under Resolution 19-27 (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-76 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10d._20-75_gps_lease.pdf

10f. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

Resolution 20-77: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44, §53F3/4 (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-77 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10f._20-77_peg.pdf

10g. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

Resolution 20-78: Town Council 2021 Meeting Calendar (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-78 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10g._20-78_2020_council_schedule_-_memo_resolution_office_hours.pdf

10h. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

Resolution 20-79: Gift acceptance - Police Department, $100 (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-79 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10h._20-29_police_gift.pdf

10i. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

Resolution 20-80: Gift acceptance - Franklin Library, $51,624 (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-80 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10i._library_gift.pdf

11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT

COVID-19 Update

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION

None Scheduled 

ADJOURN

Note: 

• Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
• Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

Connection info can be found on the agenda document folder

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/december-16-town-council-agenda

Rudolph gets in the spirit of the season at Four Corners (East Central - King St - Chestnut St)

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Dec 2, 2020

Agenda
 

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS    
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. 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.
 

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES   
None Scheduled
 

4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS   
None Scheduled
 

5. APPOINTMENTS   
None Scheduled
 

6. HEARINGS - 7:10pm   
  1  Franklin Tax Classification Hearing
     -   Legislation for Action Items: 10a., 10b., 10c., 10d.
  2  Comcast of Massachusetts II, INC. Cable Television Renewal License 12/2/2020 - 12/1/2030
        Legislation for Action Item: 10e.
  3  Bylaw Amendment 20-863: Chapter 82, Municipal Service Fees - Temporary reduction in Municipal Service Fees for Common Victualer All Alcohol and Wine & Malt Licenses for the 2021 License Renewal Season
        Legislation for Action Item: 10f.

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS   
None Scheduled
 

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS   
Cyber Fraud Spear Phishing Incident: Town Administrator, Jamie Hellen & IT Director, Tim Rapoza
 

9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS   
a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
b. Budget Subcommittee
c. Economic Development Subcommittee
 

10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION   
10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION   
Resolution 20-68: Tax Classification Residential Factor (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-68 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10a._20-68.pdf
 

10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION   
Resolution 20-69: Tax Classification - Open Space Exemption (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-69 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10b._20-69_resolution_-_tax_classification_open_space_exemption_0.pdf
 

10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION   
Resolution 20-70: Tax Classification Small Business Exemption (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-70 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10c._20-70_resolution_-_tax_classification_small_business_exemption_0.pdf
 

10d. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION   
Resolution 20-71: Tax Classification Residential Property Exemption (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-71 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10d._20-71_resolution_-_tax_classification_residential_property_exemption_0.pdf
 

10e. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION   
Resolution 20-72: Comcast of Massachusetts II, Inc. Cable License Renewal (Motion to approve Resolution 20-72 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10e._20-72_cable_0.pdf
 

10f. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION   
Bylaw Amendment 20-863: Chapter 82, Municipal Service Fees - Temporary reduction in Municipal Service Fees for Common Victualer All Alcohol and Wine & Malt Licenses for the 2021 License Renewal Season - Second Reading (Motion to Adopt Bylaw Amendment 20-863 - Majority Roll Call Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10f._20-863_fees_0.pdf
 

10g. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION   
Resolution 20-73: Gift acceptance - Police Department, $2,025 (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-73 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10g._20-73_gift_pd.pdf
 

10h. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION   
Resolution 20-74: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44, §53F3/4 (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-74 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10h._20-74_peg.pdf
 

11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT   
 

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS   
 

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS   
 

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION   
None Scheduled

 

ADJOURN   

Note:
Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting 

 

Connection info for this meeting contained in the agenda doc

• Meeting folder  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/december-2-town-council-meeting-tax-rate-hearing

 

 

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Dec 2, 2020

Town of Franklin, MA: FY21 Annual License Renewal Applications

FY21 Annual License Renewal Applications are due December 1st.  If you have not received yours or if you have any ?s,  please contact Chrissy Whelton at cwhelton@franklinma.gov 

License Renewal Applications can be found here:
https://t.co/d546cJ9Bki

 

Shared via Twitter:  https://t.co/Fapf6nLcWc

Town of Franklin, MA:  FY21 Annual License Renewal Applications

Commonwealth Magazine: delays in childcare licensing; "A color coded map is not a plan"

 From CommonWealth Magazine we share two articles of interest for Franklin:

"NICOLE MCCORMACK, a hairstylist from Haverhilll, always dreamed of opening a home daycare. So with her youngest son entering kindergarten, she started applying for a license in March.

Five months later, she has not been able to take the training courses required by the Department of Early Education and Care, and her licensing process is stalled. The delays have left her and several families who are interested in her daycare, either neighbors or people who saw her website, in limbo.

“There’s people that are calling, and I don’t know what to tell them, when I’ll be able to accept them,” McCormack said.

As many existing childcare providers struggle with the decision about whether to reopen amid the COVID-19 pandemic, a crop of potential new providers have been prevented from opening by pandemic-related delays in the state’s licensing process."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/state-government/licensing-of-new-childcare-providers-on-hold/

"EVERY CITY AND TOWN in Massachusetts has spent months trying to figure out how to return to in-person schooling. We all know the social, emotional, and educational benefits for our children. We all know a fully functioning school system also primes the pump of our economy because it allows everyone to go to work. I recognize the importance not just as a mayor, but as a parent of four school-aged children. However, the stark reality is we’re in the midst of a pandemic with COVID-19 cases still cropping up all over our state.

What we have needed from the start is a real plan from the state and the support needed to implement it. We need pervasive surveillance testing so we can catch and isolate new cases before we suffer general outbreaks. We need robust contact tracing. We need to re-outfit ventilation systems in our schools and reorganize our classrooms. We need to have a rational understanding of how many other things in our society we can have open before we attempt to bring back our schools full-time. Instead, what we got last week was a color-coded map that provides no new information for those of us working on these issues.

I appreciate the bind in which Gov. Charlie Baker finds himself. Much of what we need to develop a sustainable reopening plan relies upon federal funding and support, and that’s a black hole from which no help is likely to emerge. However, a map is not a plan.

Municipal officials already are well aware of our local numbers. Yet it means very little that our community ranks as low risk of transmission when we have two extremely high risk communities, Everett and Chelsea, on our border and a school workforce that resides throughout the region. What happens in Everett and Chelsea happens in Somerville. Coronavirus doesn’t recognize city lines. If we’ve got an outbreak on our doorstep, then we need to respond like we’ve got an outbreak."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/opinion/curtatone-a-color-coded-map-is-not-a-plan/

In the News: "RMV waives REAL ID upgrade fees next year for those who renew licenses this summer"

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

For the more than half-a-million people with a Massachusetts driver’s license or identification card expiring this summer, the Registry of Motor Vehicles is offering to waive the fees for upgrading to a REAL ID next year if people renew their standard licenses online by Aug. 12.

Those who qualify for the deal and choose to participate will have to wait until at least February 2021 to visit an RMV Service Center for the upgrade to REAL ID for free. The federal government has delayed requiring REAL ID cards for the purposes of boarding domestic flights until October 2021.

“We hope they will all take advantage of this one-time offer for a free, future upgrade to allow the RMV to prioritize ‘social-distancing’ and other essential transactions that may only be completed in-person,” said RMV Registrar Jamey Tesler.

 ....

“This one-time, time limited offer is available to most customers who have an expired or expiring license or ID card dated between March 2020 and August 2021, as renewals are allowed up to two years after expiration, or up to a year in advance of the expiration date printed on their license or ID,” officials wrote.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200621/rmv-waives-real-id-upgrade-fees-next-year-for-those-who-renew-licenses-this-summer/1

Renew your license online
https://atlas-myrmv.massdot.state.ma.us/myrmv/

 

RMV waives REAL ID upgrade fees next year for those who renew licenses this summer

In the News: "a licensing process every three years"

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

"Massachusetts would start a wide-ranging effort to crack down on police violence and improve transparency by implementing a certification system and stripping licensure from officers who commit egregious violations under a new bill Gov. Charlie Baker detailed Wednesday, following a wave of demonstrations where protesters have demanded immediate reforms.

Baker described the legislation as a “first step” toward creating a more just system, acknowledging that legislative leaders will likely attempt to build on his proposal to address other priorities beyond accountability.

Lawmakers who joined the governor at a Wednesday press conference said the legislation had been in the works for months, and Baker said the protests against police violence and systemic racism that have swept across the country in recent weeks have given the issue a new sense of urgency."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200617/gov-charlie-baker-rolls-out-first-step-of-police-reform-that-would-create-licensing-system-for-police-and-creating-statewide-database-tracking-system

Video link = https://youtu.be/zeleIb1GHTo

Town Council recap for Dec 18 - plastic bag waste reduction moves forward

The FHS student group working on the plastic bag reduction plan achieved a milestone after several meetings with the Economic Development Subcommittee to prepare, the Town Council agreed to move the measure forward to be developed as a bylaw. The draft language previously discussed in the EDC meetings will be tweaked and brought forward to the Council for the first of two public readings, a public hearing and eventual vote.

Several items on the alcohol license front:

• La Cantina received a license for the Farmers Market
• Acupalco's move from downtown to Union St was approved
• The Chateau corrected their operating hours changing them slightly
• Glen Pharma Distillery gained approval for their tasting license
• The yearly batch of license renewals was approved

The Actions Taken document has not yet been published. Once it has that link will be added.

Additional details can be found in my notes recorded live during the meeting

• Live reporting: TA Report through to Closing

 https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/12/live-reporting-ta-report-through-to.html

• Live reporting: Town Administrator Evaluation

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/12/live-reporting-town-administrator.html

• Live reporting: Plastic Bag Waste Reduction

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/12/live-reporting-plastic-bag-waste.html

• Live reporting: Alcohol Licenses - new, changes, a...

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/12/live-reporting-alcohol-licenses-new.html

• Live reporting: Town Council - December 18, 2019

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/12/live-reporting-town-council-december-18.html

Glen Pharma Distillery gained approval for their tasting license

Live reporting: Alcohol Licenses - new, changes, and renewals

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
- 7:10 PM

7a. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
a. La Cantina Winery Company, Farmer Winery, Farmers Market

to allow for samples at the winter farmers market
motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0


7b. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
b. The Chateau Restaurant of Franklin, Change of Hours, 466 King Street.
a correction of the hours that should have been submitted originally with the initial application. An oversight missed in the original application; bar and food served through the hours indicated

motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0

7c. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
c. Acapulcos Mexican Restaurant, License Modification, Change of Location, 371 Union Street
Bissanti recused himself

pending inspections as construction is not complete
similar process used for others in the past, will hold off submitting to State after inspection complete

motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0-1 (Bissanti abstain)

7d. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
d. GlenPharmer Distillery, LLC, New Farmer Series Pouring Permit for a Farmer-Distillery, 860 West Central Street

this is the pouring permit to accompany the already approved distillery operation

will be serving a full menu of food service during the service of alcohol
recipes being tested, 72 seats inside, some outdoor is seasonal

more complicated than imagined it would be, master distiller on site
test batches done, chef in place, looking for construction completion
it is highly regulated, looking to open Jan/Feb
a little behind schedule, but close to the light at the end of the tunnel
looking to provide a unique destination for Franklin

delays are weeks, not months, ready from a construction stand point but then the approvals are required; not looking forward to opening on Super Bowl weekend

open with tasting room on ground floor
looking for an other tenant for the 2nd floor

motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0

7e. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
e. 2020 Annual Alcoholic Beverages License Renewals

the hold for La Cantani was removed with successful inspection yesterday
but the packet came out before, it is the nature of the business

motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0

Council Clerk read the licensee listing "after" the vote to include it per request of Town Attorney Mark Cerel

second vote to properly approve, seconded, passed 9-0

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

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/12-18-19_full_agenda_web_1.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Dec 18, 2019

The published agenda and documents for the Franklin Town Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, December 18, 2019.

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

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/12-18-19_full_agenda_web_1.pdf

 

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

This was shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/december-18-town-council-meeting

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. CITIZEN 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	a. October 2, 2019 b. November 13, 2019
4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS	- None Scheduled
5. APPOINTMENTS	a. Historical Commission, Associate Member: Alan Earls
6. HEARINGS	- None Scheduled
7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS	- 7:10 PM
7a. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS	a. La Cantina Winery Company, Farmer Winery, Farmers Market
7b. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS	b. The Chateau Restaurant of Franklin, Change of Hours, 466 King Street.
7c. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS	c. Acapulcos Mexican Restaurant, License Modification, Change of Location, 371 Union Street
7d. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS	d. GlenPharmer Distillery, LLC, New Farmer Series Pouring Permit for a Farmer-Distillery, 860 West Central Street
7e. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS	e. 2020 Annual Alcoholic Beverages License Renewals
8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS	a. Plastic Bag Waste Reduction b. Town Administrator Annual Evaluation
9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS	a. Capital Budget Subcommittee b. Budget Subcommittee c. Economic Development Subcommittee
10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Resolution 19-89: Gift Acceptance - Franklin Veteran’s Services Department, $1,480 (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-89 - Majority Vote (5))
11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT
12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
13. COUNCIL COMMENTS
14. EXECUTIVE SESSION	- Purpose #6: to consider the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property (majority roll call vote)
ADJOURN

GlenPharmer Distillery, LLC, New Farmer Series Pouring Permit for a Farmer-Distillery

Live reporting: Town Council - May 8, 2019

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

Agenda Item	Summary
Town Council Meeting Agenda	Meeting of May 8, 2019
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. Cathy Mellor, Skyline Drive subdivision change without notification to owners; streets narrowed,  45 years resident, supported others width 30 plus, reducing to 20 something doesn't slow down speed family neighborhood taking out the sidewalks without notification until 2 weeks ago asking for a disaster with the sizes of all the trucks, Amazon, UPS, etc. new drainage system to help with Skyline Estate; four new storm drains, but not at the mouth where the water is coming from; people need clarity on what is going to happen with the storm drains and run off complaining about the removal sidewalks, they are aesthetically pleasing; with parties on the street how will the fire trucks get through sidewalk drew them to the neighborhood, to hear that they are being removed is upsetting, we walk on them all the time
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES	April 24, 2019 motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0
4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS	None
5. APPOINTMENTS	a. Franklin Cultural District, Roberta DeBaggis Trahan motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0
6. HEARINGS	None
7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS	La Cantina Winery Company, Farmer  Winery, Farmers Market motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0

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

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/town_council_meeting_agenda_for_may_8_2019_1.pdf