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

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

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

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

This part covers the first hour of the meeting

• Citizen Comments

• Approval of Minutes - March 13, 2024

• Appointment to Design Review Commission - Priya Natarjan

• 2 ABCC license transactions

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

• Legislation for Action

• Town Administrator’s Report

• Subcommittee reports

• Future Agenda Items

• Council Comment

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

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

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

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

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

Agenda and supporting documents for this session -> 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How can you help?

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

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

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

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

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

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

I hope you enjoy!

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

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

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

Town Council approves 2 license transactions, listens to friendly 40b proposal & postpones vote to enable further work on proposal (video)

The Franklin Town Council met as scheduled on Wednesday, April 10, 2024. 8 members were present in Chambers, 1 participated remotely. The Council Chambers were over capacity with residents present for one or more of the topics for discussion on the agenda.

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

Agenda and supporting documents for this session -> 

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

Quick recap:

• Approved license transaction for Table & Vine, mostly paperwork and ownership changes due to the family estate planning with no impact on the daily operations of the beer & wine license in operation at the Big Y
• Approved the all alcohol license transfer for Dacey's Market with restrictions to maintain current operation. 
• Long discussion on the proposed friendly 40b to be built in the land currently held by the Stobbart's Nursery. Multiple issues and questions were raised, many were not yet answered so in light of that the Council chose to have the administration and departments work with the developer and neighbors to work on the items in question before coming back to the Council
• As this is the second friendly 40b, and there are multiple issues raised, the process could be revised to better address some of the process issues (notification to abutters, clarification on what the Council vote really means, etc.)
• Resolution 24-17: Local Acceptance of GL Chapter 166 Section 32A was approved. Apparently this resolves a potential conflict where a part-time inspector is also prohibited from doing work in the Town. Whatever electrical work would be performed would still require inspection by another individual to avoid conflict of interest
• Another happy occasion for the Council to thank the individuals/businesses for their contribution to Resolution 24-18: Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Department ($2,250), Senior Center ($1,500), Franklin Historical Museum (~$600)
• During the Town Administrator's report, Jamie revealed he was reinstating suspended Director Robert "Brutus" Cantoreggi effective Thursday, April 11. A web page would be published with all the information involved in reaching this decision

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

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

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

listens to friendly 40b proposal & postpones vote to enable further work on proposal

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda for meeting Wednesday, April 10, 2024

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

April 10, 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

a. March 13, 2024   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/march_13_2024_tc_meeting_minutes.pdf

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS - None Scheduled

5. APPOINTMENTS

a. Design Review Commission - Priya Natarjan  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/5a._design_review_commission_-_priya_natarjan.pdf

6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM

a. License Modification - Change of Officers & Change of Stock Interest of a Section 15 Retail Package Store License: Table & Vine, Inc. Located at 348 East Central St., Franklin, MA 02038

i. License Transaction #7a.  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/7a._1_license_transaction_-_table_vine_change_of_officers_stock_interest_-_google_docs.pdf

b. New Section 15 All Alcoholic Beverages Package Store License and Approval of Michael Gannon as the Manager - Shikshapatri Corporation d/b/a Dacey’s Market & Deli, Located at 353 Lincoln St., Franklin, MA 02038

i. License Transaction #7b.   

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/7b._1_license_transaction_-_new_section_15_all_alcohol_license_-_daceys_-_google_docs.pdf

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

a. License Modification - Change of Officers & Change of Stock Interest of a Section 15 Retail Package Store License: Table & Vine, Inc. Located at 348 East Central St., Franklin, MA 02038

b. New Section 15 All Alcoholic Beverages Package Store License and Approval of Michael Gannon as the Manager - Shikshapatri Corporation d/b/a Dacey’s Market & Deli, Located at 353 Lincoln St., Franklin, MA 02038

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Franklin Town Council Support for Proposed GL Chapter 40B Affordable Housing Project at 444 East Central Street Pursuant to DHCD’s Local Initiative Program (LIP): Friendly 40B

i. Town Administrator Memo, 40B Process Outline  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/8a_1_-_presentation_friendly_40b_stobbarts.pdf

ii. Project Presentation  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/8a._2_central_st_residences_tc_presentation_041024_v17_pdf_final.pdf

iii. Current Project Plans  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/8a._3_csr_preliminary_plans_update_tc_040324.pdf

iv. Town Board/Committee and staff comment letters  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/8a._4_letters.pdf

v. Related articles on the need for housing  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/8a._articles.pdf

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 24-16: Franklin Town Council Support for Proposed GL Chapter 40B Affordable Housing Project at 444 East Central Street Pursuant to DHCD’s Local Initiative Program (LIP): Friendly 40B (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-16 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9a._resolution_24-16_-_444_east_central_st._friendly_40b_-_google_docs.pdf

b. Resolution 24-17: Local Acceptance of GL Chapter 166 Section 32A (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-17 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9b_0.pdf

c. Resolution 24-18: Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Department ($2,250), Senior Center ($1,500) (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-18 - Majority Vote)  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9c._gift_acceptance_-_vets_dept._sr._ctr_historical_museum.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

a. To review and approve minutes from March 13, 2024 Town Council Executive Session

15. ADJOURN

Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

Agenda doc also contains remote participation info

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

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda for meeting Wednesday, April 10, 2024

Franklin, MA: Town Council agenda for Nov 15, 2023 meeting

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

November 15, 2023 - 7:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building

2nd floor, Council Chambers 355 East Central Street 

1. SWEARING IN OF TOWN COUNCIL

2. ELECTION OF OFFICERS – Town Council Chair, Vice-Chair & Clerk

3. ADOPTION OF TOWN COUNCIL PROCEDURES MANUAL

a. Resolution 23-60: Adoption of the Procedures Manual of the Franklin Town Council (Motion to Approve Resolution 23-60 - Majority Vote)

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. October 18, 2023

7. APPOINTMENTS

a. Agricultural Commission

i. Cynthia Garboski

8. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM

 

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

i. License Transaction #9a

9. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

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

10. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Presentation: Franklin Elks Riders Donation to Veterans’ Services Department

i. Legislation for Action #9f

b. Discussion: Open Meeting Law, Public Records, Ethics and Conducting a Public Meeting - Mark Cerel, Town Attorney

11. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION -

a. Resolution 23-58: General Funds Appropriation, Transfers and Adjustments FY24 (Motion to Approve Resolution 23-58 - Majority Vote)

b. Resolution 23-59: Stormwater Enterprise Fund Appropriation Reduction FY24

(Motion to Approve Resolution 23-59 - Majority Vote)

c. Bylaw Amendment 23-903: A Bylaw to Amend the code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Fees, Municipal Service - First Reading

(Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 23-903 to a Second Reading)

d. Bylaw Amendment 23-902: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin by Inserting Chapter 147, Snow and Ice, Removal Of - First Reading

(Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 23-902 to a Second Reading - ⅔ Majority Vote)

e. Resolution 23-61: 2024 Town Council Meeting Schedule

(Motion to Approve Resolution 23-61 - Majority Vote)

f. Resolution 23-62: Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Department ($1,000)

(Motion to Approve Resolution 23-62 - Majority Vote)

g. Resolution 23-63: Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Department ($1,975)

(Motion to Approve Resolution 23-63 - Majority Vote)

h. Resolution 23-64: Establishment by Town Council of Subcommittee for Town Administrator Evaluation (Motion to Approve Resolution 23-64 - Majority Vote)

i. Resolution 23-65: Establishment by Town Council of Subcommittee for Review of Rules of Procedure of the Town Council (Motion to Approve Resolution 23-65 - Majority Vote)

12. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

13. 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

14. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

15. COUNCIL COMMENTS

16. EXECUTIVE SESSION - None Scheduled.

17. ADJOURN

Agenda doc and additional docs released for this meeting ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/nov15_2023_town_council_agenda.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council agenda for Nov 15, 2023 meeting

Town Council observes Police new hires, hears of SAFE Coalition updates & migrant housing updates (audio)

FM #1086 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1086 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town Council meeting held in Council Chambers on Wednesday, October 18, 2023. All 9 members  of the Council participated, 1 remotely (Frongillo). 

Quick recap:

(1) Town Clerk provided updates on the upcoming Oct 24 election for the new Tri-County school building and the Biennial Town election on Nov 7. Both votes will take place at the High School. Folks can vote early in the Town Clerk's office during business hours

(2) the swearing in of the new round of hires (backfill replacements) for the Police Dept. along with the introduction of Kallie Montagano who returns to the Dept in a new role as the Co-Response Program continues to grow. And last but not least, the introduction of Frankie, the departments new therapy dog

(3) approval of the license changes to enable Bob Vozzella to expand into his new space and operate with his farmers licenses for wine and beer

(4) impactful and moving update from Jennifer Knight-Levine, CEO and cofounder of the SAFE Coalition on their work. The audio segment of her presentation along with the Q&A with the Council is shared separately. Her update includes the expansion of their work in meeting the needs of our community into handling the migrant housing needs  -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/10/jen-knight-levine-updates-council-on.html

(5) Town Administrator Jamie Hellen's update on the migrant status will also be shared separately as an audio segment

5. APPOINTMENTS

a. Police Department - Swearing In of New Patrol Officers

i. Officer Parker Luther

ii. Officer Joseph Medina

iii. Officer Robert Young

iv. Officer Martin Zimei

b. Police Department - Introductions

i. Kallie Montagano, Co-Response Program Manager

ii. Frankie, Therapy Dog

The recording runs 1 hour and 47 minutes. Let’s listen to the Town Council meeting on Oct 18, 2023.  Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1086-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-10-18-23

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

The Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-7D1fTJLhY 

  

Town Council agenda doc -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_10.18.23.pdf 

Photo album of the police introductions and swearing in ->

https://photos.app.goo.gl/qanQvXdNFAvbQQN76

Jen Knight-Levine's update for the SAFE Coalition was shared separately as an audio  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/10/jen-knight-levine-updates-council-on.html

Town Administrator Jamie Hellen's report including the migrant housing update was shared separately  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/10/town-council-segment-migrant-housing.html

My full set of notes captured via Twitter during the meeting are collected in a single PDF for easier reading  -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1x70Z0z2GHI0n98J3Ybgu_Thk_TTo4Ese/view?usp=drive_link 

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

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

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

 

How can you help?

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

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

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

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

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

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

I hope you enjoy!

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

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

The expansion of La Cantina Winery is progressing & the license transfers were approved at this session

Town Council observes Police new hires, hears of SAFE Coalition updates & migrant housing updates (video)

The Town Council met as scheduled on Wednesday, Oct 18, 2023 in the Council Chambers. All 9 participated, one was remote (Frongillo) hence all votes were via roll call.

The key items from the evening 

(1) Town Clerk provided updates on the upcoming Oct 24 election for the new Tri-County school building and the Biennial Town election on Nov 7. Both votes will take place at the High School. Folks can vote early in the Town Clerks office during business hours

(2) the swearing in of the new round of hires (backfill replacements) for the Police Dept. along with the introduction of Kallie Montagano who returns to the Dept in a new role as the Co-Response Program continues to grow. And last but not least, the introduction of Frankie, the departments new therapy dog

(3) approval of the license changes to enable Bob Vozzella to expand into his new space and operate with his farmers licenses for wine and beer

(4) impactful and moving update from Jennifer Knight-Levine, CEO and cofounder of the SAFE Coalition on their work. The audio segment of her presentation along with the Q&A with the Council is shared separately. Her update includes the expansion of their work in meeting the needs of our community into handling the migrant housing needs  -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/10/jen-knight-levine-updates-council-on.html

(5) Town Administrator Jamie Hellen's update on the migrant status will also be shared separately as an audio segment

5. APPOINTMENTS

a. Police Department - Swearing In of New Patrol Officers

i. Officer Parker Luther

ii. Officer Joseph Medina

iii. Officer Robert Young

iv. Officer Martin Zimei

b. Police Department - Introductions

i. Kallie Montagano, Co-Response Program Manager

ii. Frankie, Therapy Dog

Photo album of the police introductions and swearing in ->

https://photos.app.goo.gl/qanQvXdNFAvbQQN76

Franklin TV video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-7D1fTJLhY

Agenda doc ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_10.18.23.pdf

The expansion of La Cantina Winery is progressing & the license transfers were approved at this session