Town Council Quarterbacking with Chair Tom Mercer - 12/16/21 (audio)

FM #681 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 681 in the series. 

This shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. This is one of a series of conversations meant to provide a recap of the prior Council meeting. Akin to one of the many sports post-game analysis broadcasts we are familiar with in New England,  this would be a discussion focused on the Franklin Town Council meeting of December 15, 2021: 

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following key topics

Appointments

Franklin Cultural District Committee: Katherine Botelho

Franklin Cultural District Committee: Patrick Timmons

Community Preservation Committee: Richard (Rick) Power

 

2022 Annual Alcohol License Renewals

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/7a._license_renewal_memo_list_motion.pdf

 

Presentation - Human Resources: Karen Bratt, Human Resources Director

The recording runs about 27 minutes:

Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents released for this meeting are included in the show notes. 

Let’s listen to this recording of Town Council Quarterbacking Dec 16, 2021

** Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-681-town-council-quarterbacking-with-chair-tom-mercer-12-15-21

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Town Council Agenda document ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/december_15_town_council_agenda.pdf

 

My notes from the meeting -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/12/recap-town-council-hears-update-on.html

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

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"

 

Town Council Quarterbacking with Chair Tom Mercer - 12/16/21 (audio) 

Recap: Town Council hears update on Human Resources, appoints three to committees, approves annual license renewals

Quick Recap:

• The annual alcohol license renewals were approved. Some were held for completion of outstanding payments, etc. A smaller number than previous times per recollection (but not verified by actual count). Also 4 licenses were approved for businesses that actually haven't started operating yet. In tough economic times, these are good indicators
• Three appointments were approved; two to the Cultural District (now at full strength) and one to the Community Preservation Committee (adding a Planning Board representative as the prior rep did not get re-elected in November)
• HR Director Karen Bratt provided the update on what her department does that she had previewed to the Finance Committee in October. A wealth of information was shared. Primary driver is the demographic change the Town is seeing as folks retire (half the department managers positions turned over in last 4 years) and one third of total Town employment changed in same period
• Insights on the health and pension plans planning process were shared. The Town working with the bargaining units does manage to hold health increases to a minimum. The Norfolk County pension liability will be paid up by approx. FY 2030 when those funds will shift to add to the outstanding OPEB liabilities. This one move revealed a couple of years ago will alleviate the giant albatross that the OPEB liability had been. The other silver lining in the meantime is that the Town is ahead of other communities facing the same challenge in funding their liabilities
• Goal setting session for the 'new' Council will be scheduled for one of their January meetings. The Community Preservation Committee (CPC) is scheduled for two public hearings in January 2022 (Jan 4 and Jan 18). The public hearings will gather community input on how the forthcoming CPA funds should be used? What projects should be on the 'wish list'? and in what priority order? The input is a step to help the CPC development of the allocation of the CPA funds for eventual Town Council approval during 2022

-------

As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter while I attended the meeting in the Council Chambers. 

 

The Twitter hashtag #TC1215 can be found online The thread begins with  

https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/status/1471269121560035336 

• getting ready for the Town Council meeting at 7, shift of location to the Chambers, agenda doc -> https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/december_15_town_council_agenda.pdf…  #tc1215
• Chair Mercer opens meeting; at just after 7 PM #tc1215
• standard protocol statement being read by Chair #tc1215 reading phone # for access to the Zoom session, also available via Comcast and Verizon cable or Live streamed from the http://Franklinma.gov webpage

Citizens comment

• Citizens comment: #tc1215 resident comment on Hillside Road not being plowed due to change in ownership of 1 Summit Rd; no success via DPW, paperwork provided to show it is a public way
• next up, approval of minutes of Nov 10, 2021, motion, seconded, passes 9-0 voice vote #tc1215

Appointments

• appointments; 3 up - Franklin Cultural District Committee: Katherine Botelho moved, seconded, passes 9-0 #tc1215
• 2 appt:  - b. Franklin Cultural District Committee: Patrick Timmons moved, seconded passes 9-0  #tc1215
• 3 - appt: https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/5c._appointment_-_power.pdf…  Rick Power for CPC moved, second, passes 9-0  (replaces Halligan who was previous representative for the Planning Board)  #tc1215

License transactions

• license transactions - renewal of the outstanding liquor and all-alcohol licenses, an annual approval process;  listing - > https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/7a._license_renewal_memo_list_motion.pdf… #tc1215 - some held per payment of outstanding fees (also a normal business process) moved, seconded, passes8-0-1(Mercer abstained)
• Q on prior motion for the chief in regards to status at Dean, no issues; compliance checks - not yet done, short staffed and unable to find staff for the OT to conduct these checks. #tc1215

HR Director presentation

• next up - Karen Bratt, HR Director presentation previously shared with Finance Committee in October 2021 ->  https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/fincomm-presentation-october142021.pdf…  #tc1215
• succession planning could require additional staff for HR; #tc1215 new hire candidates testing etc. covered under HR budget; expensive to use web ads for openings; Mass Municipal is a good source for others in municipal government arena; comp plan being reviewed
• HR files are still paper based, will try to update to electronic in future (sooner than later); Norfolk County pension funding will increase thru FY 30 and then decrease, allowing for shift of funds to cover the OPEB deficit  #tc1215
• OPEB funding has been growing gradually each year via budget and 'free cash' #tc1215
• Police/Fire covered by separate MA General Law; separate from the other Town/school employees #tc1215 compensation reserve - money set aside for unexpected for salary costs, i.e. full vacation balance or collective bargaining anticipation of increases
• 11 new department heads since Jan 2016, approx. 55% of the leadership; city/towns exempt from minimum wage but it is being implemented here gradually; equal pay law of 2016 an item to watch; collective bargaining agreements cycle will come up again next Jun/Jul #tc1215
• contract docs formatted for better consistency across the agreements, all but one (Police) completed thus far; benefits fairs not held during COVID hopeful to bring them back next year. #tc1215 assist with tracking of the COVID quarantine and testing protocols
• planning for succession and working to fulfill the positions required; #tc1215 Employee assistance program available for those who need it; provided by Town insurer; drug testing assistance for CDL drivers in DPW for failures; fortunately not a frequent event here
• Franklin fortunate to have a good reputation so folks are generally eager to come here; niche positions are harder to fill; #tc1215 contractual benefits to get advance notice of retirement plans, helps us for a win/win i.e. police/fire

Subcommittees 

• EDC, Jan 5th meeting - Planning Board and MAPC 5:45 PM start #tc1215 no legislation for action tonight

Town Admin report 

• Town Admin report - ARPA funding approved through Gov Baker and now coming to us; free rides to Senior Center, via GATRA also covered with this funding; thanks to the legislative delegation; happy holidays, hard to believe that in a couple of weeks it is 2022 #tc1215
• future agenda items; #tc1215 nothing at this time; thanks to the neighbors who helped the Santa Foundation, Q on generators still at the DPW, specs designed for the generators; variety of smaller projects coming back from the burner to more front awareness;

Council Comments

• Thanks to Nancy for putting the annual report together; happy holidays, happy new year; looking forward to 2022! no word yet on complete streets or housing plan from State approval; FBRTC looking for new members; #tc1215 open mic night last Wednesday, fantastic night
• "please treat everyone with as much respect as you can"; thinking of the tornado victims; 800K lies lost to COVID, be peaceful, stay safe; #tc1215 Ohio missionaries still held captive in Haiti (more than 2 months); do due diligence to manage COVID;
• get into the season (after prayers), reinforce to do our due diligence; let's get 2022 to look forward to Jan, goal setting session coming; #tc1215 motion to adjourn, passe 9-0

Audio recording of meeting to be available in couple of days

The Human Resources presentation document was the same used for the update to the Finance Committee in October. It can be viewed below or found on the Town of Franklin page ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/fincomm-presentation-october142021.pdf

Town of Franklin: Human Resources Update - 10/13/21 from Franklin Matters

Recap: Town Council hears update on Human Resources

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - June 9, 2021

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR    
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.
 
b. Chair to identify Council Members participating remotely

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    

a. April 07, 2021
b. April 14, 2021
c. May 05, 2021
d. May 19, 2021

4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS    
a. Proclamation: Franklin High School BALTS
b. Proclamation: Police Department, David Mellor

5. APPOINTMENTS    
None Scheduled
 

6. HEARINGS - 7:10pm    

• Chapter 61A, Town’s Right of First Refusal to Purchase Approx. 70 Acres of Land off Maple Street approved as “Maple Hill” Definitive Residential Subdivision
• Cover Memo and Purchase & Sale Agreement: Notice of intent to sell land for residential use off Maple Street
• Open Space Presentation - April 6th, 2021, Community Preservation Committee Meeting

 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/open_space_presentation_update_4-6-2021.pdf

• 2016 Town of Franklin Open Space Plan

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/updated_osrp.pdf

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS    

• La Cantina Winery, New Section 19C Farmer Brewery License & License Modification to Combine existing 19B and New 19C license to create a 19H Farmer Winery/Brewery License, 355 & 357 Union Street, Franklin, MA 02038
• Table and Vine, License Modification - Change of Manager and Stock Transfer, 348 East Central Street

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    
Resolution 21-23: FY21 Capital Plan Round 2 (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-23 - Majority Vote)

10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION    
Resolution 21-30: Authorization for Intermunicipal Agreement with the Town of Bellingham to Supply Water to Private Franklin Residential Property Located at 425 Prospect Street (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-30 - Majority Vote)

10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION    
Resolution 21-31: Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services, $985 (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-31 - Majority Vote)

10d. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION    
Resolution 21-32: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44, §53F3/4 (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-32 - Majority Vote)

10e. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION    
Bylaw Amendment 21-873: Chapter 139, Sewer Use Regulation Update - Second Reading (Motion to Adopt Bylaw Amendment 21-873 - Majority Roll Call Vote)

10f. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION    
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 21-872: To Amend The Franklin Town Code At Chapter 185, Section 3, Definitions, Tasting Room - First Reading (Motion to move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 21-872 to a second reading - Majority Roll Call Vote)

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
 

Meeting folder
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/june-9-town-council-agenda

 

Agenda doc with connection info:

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/6-9-21_town_council_agenda.pdf

 

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - June 9, 2021

"Mass. drivers have another two years to get a Real ID"

 

"The long-awaited federal deadline to get a new type of driver’s license or state identification that can be used to board domestic flights has been extended again, this time until May 2023.

The Department of Homeland Security on Tuesday announced the 19-month extension from the current deadline of October, 2021. At that point, so-called Real IDs, which are issued by states but adhere to federal guidelines to verify personal information, will become the only type of driver’s license accepted to board US flights.

The rule dates back to the post-9/11 period, but had already been pushed back from its October 2020 deadline, as officials last year cited the coronavirus pandemic."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/04/27/metro/mass-drivers-have-another-two-years-get-real-id/ 

Info on the documentation needed to get the Real ID can be found on the RMV page (Note, they have not yet updated the date change to reflect the new delay to 2023).  https://www.mass.gov/lists/information-for-the-real-id

Sample of a Massachusetts Real ID license from the RMV website

FM #462 - Franklin's Acting Town Clerk - 02/10/21 (audio)

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Franklin’s Acting Town Clerk Nancy Danello along with her assistant Susan Merullo.

We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about: 

• What is your Franklin story?
• Almost 6 months already, including two elections (Nov, Dec 2020)
• What else are you doing?
• What does the 2021 year hold (beside November elections)?

Links to the Town Clerk web page is included in the show notes. The recording runs about 22 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Nancy and Susan.

Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/7541a85e-30d4-4916-bb7f-1a078094ad77

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

Town Clerk page = https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk 

Updated official directory (as mentioned) https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/2021_directory_of_town_state_and_county_officials_0.pdf 

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

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/ 

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"

Acting Town Clerk Nancy Danello provides an update to a Town Council meeting in 2020

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."

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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