Town Council Quarterbacking with Council Chair Tom Mercer - Recap of the Oct 5, 2022 meeting (audio)

FM #863 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 863 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 Oct 5, 2022: 

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following key topics

Right of first refusal – Schmidt’s Farm

Norfolk County Commission Update

Special liquor license for Dacey’s Market

4 bylaws for parking changes downtown

How to address habitual offenders for Dean parking/Neighborhood Alliance

Gift acceptance to Police/Fire

Our conversation runs about 30 minutes:

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

Let’s listen to this session of Town Council Quarterbacking recorded Oct 13, 2022

Audio file ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-864-town-council-quarterbacking-10-13-22

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

Agenda and documents released for this meeting

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/10.05.22_town_council_agenda.pdf

My notes -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LS8OhA3BKWQuqto4tv82cb4YmvRRz5Dk/view?usp=sharing

 

The meeting video is also available for viewing on YouTube   https://youtu.be/N6qHB7PJMq8

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

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 your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

 

The Town Council held a public hearing on the right of first refusal to purchase the Schmidt Farm property with CPA funding

Town Council holds hearing on purchase of Schmidt Farm using CPA funds, moves parking bylaws to 2nd reading; hears from Norfolk County, and more in 3 hour plus session (video)

The Town Council meeting went over 3 hours long on Wednesday, Oct 5, 2022 in the process of reviewing multiple topics. 

Norfolk County Commissioners provided some updates on what they do and how they do it. Some councilors appear stuck on the Federal decision to award the ARPA funds to the county and not directly to the Town but that is neither in control of the Town nor the County. The 3% management fee the County collects they are working for in managing the funds and they clearly stated the case during the evening. 

The best Council move was to approve The Town Council held a pubic hearing on the right of first refusal to purchase the Schmidt Farm property with CPA funding. There was no vote on the purchase. Several Councilors acknowledged they approved but the vote will come at a future meeting.  A number of residents in person and via Zoom spoke in favor of this move as it is perfectly was the CPA funds were meant to be used for.  The presentation doc (shared at the CPC meeting on Tuesday is now on the Town page)   (updated 10/13/22)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/schmidt_farm_61a_presentation.pdf

A passionate discussion raised issues that are mostly still to be resolved on parking. The set of 4 bylaws did all move forward to a second reading; one only by a 5-4 vote, the others by 9-0. Open question on should the Council allow the Town Administrator to set the rate. On what the rate should be? (It should be at least equal to the MBTA parking rate, otherwise the MBTA commuters albeit less of them, will park in these spaces and save money - which won't provide the spaces for what they were provided for - to enable shoppers downtown).

A 6-3 vote approved a request to obtain the 'authority' to issue an all liquor license to replace a beer/wine license already held which would put two all liquor license establishments within .3 mile of each other and near the Keller Sullivan schools. The legislation if approved by the State would still require a formal hearing and vote by the Council to actually approve the license. Tonight is only a step in the process.

The full agenda and links can be found here ->
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/10/franklin-ma-town-council-meeting-agenda.html

Franklin TV - YouTube Video link -> https://youtu.be/N6qHB7PJMq8 

My notes taken during the meeting via Twitter can be found in one PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LS8OhA3BKWQuqto4tv82cb4YmvRRz5Dk/view?usp=sharing

The best Council move was to approve the right of first refusal to purchase the Schmidt Farm property with CPA funding

Boston Globe: With Ballot "Question 4, GOP wants to trade safety for votes"

 

"Florida and Texas aren’t the only states where Republicans are fear-mongering about immigrants to whip up support in November.

It’s happening here, too, with a GOP-led ballot question that would repeal a law, passed by state lawmakers in June, allowing undocumented residents to apply for driver’s licenses.

What’s happening here is almost as naked and heartless a political ploy as Governor Ron DeSantis trying to strand planeloads of Venezuelan asylum-seekers on Martha’s Vineyard. Worse, Question 4 is an attempt to win votes at the expense of public safety.

The Massachusetts Major City Chiefs of Police, and a majority of the state’s sheriffs and district attorneys, support allowing undocumented immigrants to have driver’s licenses, and for good reason. Tens of thousands of those immigrants are driving anyway, mostly to get to work. We are all safer if everybody on the roads is tested, licensed, and insured."

Continue reading the Boston Globe article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/09/28/metro/with-question-4-gop-wants-trade-safety-votes/

The Massachusetts State House CRAIG F. WALKER/GLOBE STAFF

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Aug 17, 2022

FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL 

Agenda & Meeting Packet 

August 17, 2022 - 7 PM

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 members participating remotely. 

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS 

a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter. 

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - None Scheduled. 

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS 

5. APPOINTMENTS 

a. Cultural Council - Brianna Cummings 

b. Cultural Council - Lauren Sanford 

c. Design Review - Cassandra Bethoney 

d. Design Review - Paul Lopez 

e. Finance Committee - Stephanie Koke 

f. Historical Commission - Scott Mason 

g. Historical Commission - Janice Prentice 

h. Historical Commission - William Lee - Associate 

i. Housing Authority Tenant Seat - Christopher Lennon

6. HEARINGS - 7:00 pm - None Scheduled. 

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS 

a. Transfer of Section 12 Restaurant Common Victualer All Alcohol License and Approval of Arthur Tgibedes as the Manager - ACT Hospitality, Inc. d/b/a Box Seats, Located at 391 East Central Street 

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION 

a. Discussion: Franklin Cultural Council - Kaye Kelly, Chair, Franklin Cultural Council 

b. Presentation: Green Community Status - Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator & Alecia Alleyne, Assistant to the Town Administrator 

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION 

a. Bylaw Amendment 22-881: Chapter 7 Affordable Housing Trust Fund: Add Vice Chair and Clerk Positions, 2nd Reading (Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 22-881 - Majority Roll Call Vote) 

b. Bylaw Amendment 22-882: Chapter 4 Admin. of Govt.: Authorize Town Clerk to Make Format Changes, 2nd Reading (Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 22-882 - Majority Roll Call Vote) 

c. Bylaw Amendment 22-883: Amendment to Water System Map, 1st reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 22-883 to Second Reading - Majority Vote) 

d. Resolution 22-56: Gift Acceptance - Police Department (Equipment Donation, 3 Drones and Related Equipment) (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-56 - Majority Vote) 

e. 22-57: Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Dept. ($800), Fire Dept. ($100), Police Dept. ($100) (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-57 - Majority Vote) 

f. Resolution 22-58: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44, §53F3/4 (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-58 - Majority Vote) 

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT 

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS 

a. Capital Budget Subcommittee 

b. Budget Subcommittee 

c. Economic Development Subcommittee 

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS 

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION 

15. ADJOURN 

Note: 

Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes 

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting 

Documents released for this agenda can be found online ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_aug_17_2022_0.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Aug 17, 2022

"Mass. lawmakers override Baker veto, allow driver’s licenses for residents without legal immigration status"

"After decades of activism, false starts, and failed efforts, advocates celebrated Thursday as a bill that allows driver’s licenses for residents without legal immigration status finally became law.

Massachusetts legislators voted to override a veto from Governor Charlie Baker and made official a law backed by law enforcement groups, immigrant rights advocates, and insurance companies. It will take effect next summer."

Continue reading the Boston Globe article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/06/09/metro/mass-lawmakers-override-baker-veto-allow-drivers-licenses-undocumented-residents/

"THE MASSACHUSETTS LEGISLATURE completed its override of Gov. Charlie Baker’s veto on Thursday, allowing immigrants without legal status to obtain a driver’s license in Massachusetts. The state is the 17th, in addition to Washington, DC, to adopt that policy.  

The House overrode Baker’s veto with a 119-36 vote on Wednesday. The Senate followed suit Thursday with a 32-8 vote, both bodies surpassing the two-thirds threshold needed to override a gubernatorial veto. "

Continue reading the CommonWealth Magazine article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/immigration/undocumented-immigrants-can-get-mass-drivers-licenses-in-july-2023/

Immigrants rally in front of the Massachusetts State House in favor of the Work and Family Mobility Act. (Photo by Rose Lincoln)

Franklin, MA: Town Council - agenda - June 8, 2022 at 7 PM

FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL

Agenda & Meeting Packet

June 8, 2022 - 7 PM

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 members participating remotely.

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. April 13, 2022  ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/april_13_2022_tc_meeting_minutes_-draft_for_review.pdf

b. May 4, 2022 ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/3b._may_4_2022_tc_meeting_minutes_-draft_for_review.pdf

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

a. Proclamation - Franklin Flyers Youth Hockey Team

b. Proclamation - Franklin High School Theatre Company

 

5. APPOINTMENTS - None Scheduled.

6. HEARINGS - 7:00 pm - None Scheduled.

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

a. License Modification: Change of Hours - PH Franklin, Inc. d/b/a Raillery Public House, Located at 280 Franklin Village Drive, Franklin, MA 02038  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/7a._raillery_change_of_hours.pdf

b. New Farmer Winery-Farmers Market License - Crave Mead, LLC d/b/a Crave Mead, Located at 7 Main St., Unit 1, Blackstone, MA 01504  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/7b._farmers_market_license_-_crave.pdf

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Presentation/Discussion: North Grove Priority Development Area Redevelopment Concept -

Urban Land Institute Technical Assistance Panel & MassDevelopment   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8a._memo_town_council_letter_-_north_grove_pda_-_uli_tap_-_06022022.pdf

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 22-32: Salary Schedule: Full-Time Elected Official - Town Clerk (Motion to Approve

Resolution 22-32 - Majority Roll Call Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9a._clerks_salary.pdf

b. Resolution 22-30: FY22 Capital Plan Round 2 (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-30 -

Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9b._22-30_capital_round_2.pdf

c. Resolution 22-34: Gift Acceptance - Senior Center ($100), Fire Department ($50) (Motion to

Approve Resolution 22-34 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9c._22-34_gift_acceptance_sr._ctr._fd.pdf

d. Resolution 22-35: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44,

§53F3/4 (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-35 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9d._22-35_peg_comcast_verizon.pdf

e. Resolution 22-39: Authorizing the Additional Borrowing of Money to Pay Additional Costs of the

Beaver Street Interceptor Replacement Project (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-39 - Two

Thirds Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9e._beaver_streeet_interceptor.pdf

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT - None Scheduled.

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Capital Budget Subcommittee

b. Budget Subcommittee

c. Economic Development Subcommittee

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION

a. Exemption #6: To consider the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property, because an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the public body and the chair so declares.  i. Schmidt’s Farm, Prospect Street

15. ADJOURN

Note:

Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

Agenda doc and remote participation information -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/06-08-2022_town_council_agenda_packet.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council - agenda - June 8, 2022 at 7 PM

“We are a nation of immigrants. We all benefit from increased public safety."

"One day after state legislators approved a bill to allow undocumented immigrants to get driver’s licenses in Massachusetts, Governor Charlie Baker vetoed the measure, saying it poses a risk to election security.

In a letter rejecting the legislation late Friday afternoon, Baker said the bill requires the Registry of Motor Vehicles “to issue state credentials to people without the ability to verify their identity” and “increases the risk that noncitizens will be registered to vote.”

He also expressed concern that the identification wouldn’t distinguish an undocumented person from a documented one."

Continue reading the Boston Globe article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/05/27/metro/governor-baker-vetoes-bill-give-drivers-license-undocumented-residents/

CommonWealth Magazine coverage

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/immigration/baker-vetoes-drivers-license-bill-for-undocumented-immigrants/ 

A Pass the Work and Family Mobility Act Rally was held on the steps of the Massachusetts State House on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Rose Lincoln)

MA Senate Passes Work and Family Mobility Act

The Massachusetts State Senate on Thursday passed An Act Relative to Work and Family Mobility. The Work and Family Mobility Act would allow Massachusetts residents who lack federal immigration status to apply for a Massachusetts standard driver’s license, which does not include a REAL ID. The bill passed with a veto proof majority.

 

“We are a nation of immigrants, and our Commonwealth continues to be profoundly and positively shaped by immigrants from all over the world,” stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “They deserve to be able to safely get to work and school, care for their families and participate in the lives of their communities. I am thrilled that the Senate has moved forward with this proposal which will support families, improve public safety and be good for our economy. I’d like to thank Senators Crighton, Gomez and Lovely, as well as their staffs, for their work on this bill in the Senate. and the many members of the coalition who joined forces to make this a reality. I am grateful to the many members of the coalition for their advocacy and the immigrant community for sharing your stories with the Senate.”

 

“I am proud to work with my Senate colleagues to favorably move the Work and Family Mobility Act out of the Senate Committee on Rules today,” said State Senator Joan B. Lovely (D-Salem). “This legislation will improve public safety on our roadways and provide accessibility for all Massachusetts residents. Thank you, Senate President Spilka and Senators Crighton and Gomez for your leadership on this bill.”

 

"The Work and Family Mobility Act will make our roads safer and, just as importantly, make the lives of more than 185,000 Massachusetts immigrants without status easier by allowing them to earn a standard driver's license,” said State Senator Brendan P. Crighton (D-Lynn). “In the absence of a robust regional public transportation system, it is impossible for many Massachusetts residents to get through their day without the use of a car. No one should fear detention or deportation over essential everyday tasks such as getting to work, school, doctor's appointments and grocery stores. It is time for Massachusetts to join the 16 other states who have passed this common-sense legislation.”

 

"The legislation passed today is one I have been proud to co-lead on since I first entered the Senate," said State Senator Adam Gomez (D-Springfield). "As a proud Puerto Rican, a Boricua, and the State Senator for a district that is rich in diversity, I know that this bill will benefit generations of families across the Commonwealth. Our state is rich in culture and has a deep-rooted sense of community. Today we are voting on behalf of a part of that community that has often been overlooked or forgotten. As elected officials, we represent our communities as a whole, whether or not they are able to vote for us. Thank you to my co-lead Senator Crighton, Senate President Spilka, the Driving Families Forward Coalition, and the countless advocates and immigrants who lent their voices to this legislation so that we could reach the finish line."

 

The bill has received widespread support from members of the law enforcement community, advocacy groups, and members of the immigrant community. It proposes strict identity documentation criteria, asking for applicants to present two valid, unexpired identity documents. It makes no change to existing law requiring that all driver’s license applicants prove that they live in the Commonwealth. The bill passed by the Senate is nearly identical to the version that previously passed the House of Representatives earlier this year.

A version of this legislation having previously passed in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, the legislation moves back to the House for further consideration. 

MA Senate Passes Work and Family Mobility Act

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - May 4, 2022 - 7 PM

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

May 4, 2022 - 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 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.

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 16, 2022

b. April 6, 2022

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

a. Proclamation - Harriet DiMartino

5. APPOINTMENTS - None Scheduled.

6. HEARINGS - 7:00 PM

a. Alcoholic Beverages Licensees, Failure to Pass Compliance Check - Continued from 4/13/2022

i. TM1 Solutions, Inc. d/b/a 7-Eleven 37380 - 664 Union Street  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/6a.i_7-eleven_1_0.pdf

ii. Dharma Bhakti Corporation d/b/a Liquor World - 365 West Central Street

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/6a.ii_liquor_world.pdf

b. Street Acceptances: 

i. Joseph Circle

ii. Susan's Way, and a portion of Lawrence Drive

 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/6b._street_acceptances_0.pdf

 

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled.

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Discussion: Congressman Jake Auchincloss, 4th Congressional District

b. Presentation: FY21 Annual Financial Audit - Melanson and Heath  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8b._presentation_-_audit.pdf

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 22-27: Order of Acceptance of Joseph Circle as a Public Way and Related Utility and Drainage Easements (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-27 - Two-thirds Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9a._22-27_street_acceptances_joseph_circle.pdf

b. Resolution 22-28: Order of Acceptance of Susan's Way and a portion of Lawrence Drive as Public Ways and Related Utility and Drainage Easements (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-28 - Two-thirds Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9b._22-28_street_acceptances_susans_way_and_portion_lawrence_dr.pdf

c. Bylaw Amendment 22-879: Chapter 170, Vehicles and Traffic, Appendix A, Fines, Parking Violations - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 22-879 to Second Reading - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9c._downtown_parking_fines.pdf

d. Bylaw Amendment 22-880: Chapter 170, Vehicles and Traffic, Article IV, Stopping, Standing and Parking, §170-15 Parking Prohibitions and Limitations, D. Parking Prohibited, Downtown Parking Map - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 22-880 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9d._22-880_downtown_parking_map_0.pdf

e. Resolution 22-29: Gift Acceptance - Fire Dept. ($275), Veterans’ Services Dept. ($100) (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-29 - Majority Vote) https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9e._22-29_gift_acceptance_fd_vets_375.pdf

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

a. Davis-Thayer Update

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Capital Budget Subcommittee

b. Budget Subcommittee

c. Economic Development Subcommittee

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION

15. ADJOURN

Note:

Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

Agenda doc & connection info   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_may_4_2022.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - May 4, 2022 - 7 PM

MA Senate to Debate Work and Family Mobility Act Next Thursday (5/05/22)

Senate to Debate Work and Family Mobility Act Next Thursday

The Massachusetts State Senate announced plans today (4/28/22) to debate An Act Relative to Work and Family Mobility at a formal session next Thursday, May 5, 2022. The Work and Family Mobility Act, filed by Senators Brendan Crighton and Adam Gomez, would allow Massachusetts residents who lack federal immigration status to apply for a Massachusetts standard driver's license, the non-REAL ID license. 

The bill, which received a favorable report from the Senate Committee on Rules earlier today, has received widespread support from members of the law enforcement community, advocacy groups, and members of the immigrant community. It proposes strict identity documentation criteria, asking for applicants to present two valid, unexpired identity documents. It makes no change to existing law requiring that all driver's license applicants prove that they live in the Commonwealth. The bill advanced by the Senate Committee on Rules is nearly identical to the version that previously passed the House of Representatives earlier this year.

"As the granddaughter of immigrants, I have been a longtime supporter of allowing everyone, regardless of immigration status, to safely get to work and school, access health care, and participate in the lives of their communities, and so I am pleased to see this bill move forward today," stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "All our residents and their families deserve to feel safe, and driver's licenses for qualified individuals is good for our economy, our families, and public safety. I'd like to thank Senators Crighton, Gomez and Lovely for their efforts to push this bill forward."

"I am proud to work with my Senate colleagues to favorably move the Work and Family Mobility Act out of the Senate Committee on Rules today," said State Senator Joan B. Lovely (D-Salem). "This legislation will improve public safety on our roadways and provide accessibility for all Massachusetts residents. Thank you, Senate President Spilka and Senators Crighton and Gomez for your leadership on this bill."

"The Work and Family Mobility Act will make our roads safer and, just as importantly, make the lives of more than 185,000 Massachusetts immigrants without status easier by allowing them to earn a standard driver's license," said State Senator Brendan P. Crighton (D-Lynn). "In the absence of a robust regional public transportation system, it is impossible for many Massachusetts residents to get through their day without the use of a car. No one should fear detention or deportation over essential everyday tasks such as getting to work, school, doctor's appointments and grocery stores. It is time for Massachusetts to join the 16 other states who have passed this common-sense legislation."

"This important piece of legislation, which is long overdue, has received widespread support from law enforcement officials, municipal leaders, and advocacy organizations across our state," said State Senator Adam Gomez (D-Springfield). "These people are our neighbors, our friends, and our fellow community members. It's past time that we provide them with the ability to have reliable and accessible transportation where they don't have to fear deportation or separation from their families. This legislation gives undocumented residents the same opportunities that their documented counterparts may take for granted — the ability to drive freely across our state, find work in another community, drive their kids to school, run errands for their partner — not burdened with the worry that they may have negative interactions with law enforcement. That's what happens when people have access to reliable transportation: they can thrive, serve their communities, and succeed."

"There is a reason so many law enforcement leaders support this legislation, including a majority of my fellow sheriffs," said Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian. "I first spoke in favor of this issue as a state representative over 20 years ago. This bill would not only improve public safety by increasing the number of properly identified and insured motorists; but just as critically it will improve a family's ability to get to medical appointments, to the grocery store, and to their kids' school activities. I commend Senate President Spilka, Senators Brendan Crighton and Adam Gomez, as well as the numerous legislators and advocates who have continued to support this vital issue."

In a formal statement, the leaders of the organizations co-chairing the Driving Families Forward Coalition, Brazilian Worker Center Executive Director Lenita Reason and 32BJ SEIU Executive Vice President Roxana Rivera said, "As co-chairs of the Driving Families Forward Coalition, made up of over 270 endorsers including business associations, labor unions, immigrant advocates, faith groups and many more supporting the Work and Family Mobility Act, we are overjoyed that the bill will be coming before a historic Senate vote. We extend our gratitude to Senate President Spilka, Senator Lovely, Chair of the Senate Committee on Rules and our bill lead sponsors, Senator Crighton, and Senator Gomez for their leadership in promoting everyone's safety in the Commonwealth by moving the bill through the legislative process. This includes law enforcement officials who need to know drivers' identities, Massachusetts motorists who benefit when every driver is tested and insured, and, of course, the diverse immigrant communities across the state who need to access doctor's offices, schools, and jobs. Many immigrants' lives would be transformed by this bill, and everyone in Massachusetts would have safer and more secure roads for it."

The legislation also includes layered protection for driver information, prohibiting the Massachusetts RMV from keeping records of citizenship or immigration status for standard license holders and applicants. Safeguards are also put in place for voting, above and beyond the extensive existing protections, directing the Registry of Motor Vehicles and Secretary of State to establish procedures to ensure that drivers without lawful immigration status are not erroneously registered to vote.

MA Senate to Debate Work and Family Mobility Act Next Thursday (5/05/22)

This "Talk Franklin" episode: Jamie Hellen covers ISO Class 1, licenses, storm water fee, ARPA, and more (audio)

FM #771 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 771 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen. We had our conversation via the Zoom Conference Bridge.

Conversation around the following topics: 

ISO Class-1 Announcement, Franklin Fire Department

 

LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

a. License Modification: Change of Location - Pour Richard’s Wine and Spirits

b. License Modification: Alteration of Premises - 3 Restaurant

c. New Section 12 Restaurant Common Victualer All Alcohol License and Approval of Veronika Matunin as the Manager - Birchwood Bakery

More restaurants operating now than pre-pandemic, so fortunate

 

PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSIONS

·   Presentation: ARPA Update - Town Administrator Jamie Hellen

 

Legislation

·   Storm water fee – final approval

·   Passport photo fee

Community Needs Discussion Forums (Franklin Senior Center) Tuesday April 12th at 6pm

Outlook for Council agenda

The recording runs about 30 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie as we “Talk Franklin”. Audio file -> https://anchor.fm/letstalkfranklin/episodes/Fire-Department-Accolades--Restaurant-Revitalization-and-New-Legislation-e1h31v3/a-a7o97t4

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

Town of Franklin meeting calendar -> https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar 

ARPA accounted for -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/pages/pandemic-related-stimulus-funds 

Town budget page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget

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

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 your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Storm water fee comes back to Council among items in this "Talk Franklin" with Jamie Hellen (audio)