Recycle Your Beer Carriers And Corks at Franklin Liquors

"It’s estimated* that at least 10 million new plastic can carriers are used annually by breweries in Massachusetts, with just 10% of them being collected and re-used, and less than 2% of them ever getting recycled.  As a result, the amount of plastic beer packaging waste ending up in landfills each year is enough to fill any of the state’s largest breweries with discarded carriers rather than beer. 

Now you can bring them to Franklin Liquors to be reused by local breweries!"

Yes, a local answer to the issue raised in 2021.    https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/05/did-you-know-that-plastic-beer-carriers.html

Recycle Your Beer Carriers at Franklin Liquors

And Franklin Liquors will also recycle natural wine corks!

We also want your corks!!

Bring your natural wine corks to Franklin Liquors to be recycled!

Recycling your natural wine corks helps replace environmentally harmful, petroleum-based materials in consumer products with a natural, sustainable alternative.

Find out which wines use natural cork and which ones don’t. When you reach for a bottle, look for those with natural corks. https://recork.com/corkwatch

 

Recycle Your Natural Corks at Franklin Liquors

Shared from Franklin Liquors page ->    https://franklinliquors.wordpress.com/2022/01/18/recycle-your-corks-and-beer-carriers/

Wonderful World of Wine: "Thanksgiving Food And Wine - What To Serve With The Bird 2021"

This episode of the Wonderful World of Wine provides insights on what to serve with turkey. Co-hosts Mark Lenzi and Kim Simone talk in their annual Thanksgiving event.

Direct link to episode -> https://soundcloud.com/user-492543397/episode-187-thanksgiving-food-and-wine-what-to-serve-with-the-bird-2021

You can also go back into the archives to listen to the 2020 episode

https://www.podpage.com/the-wonderful-world-of-wine-www/episode-138-thanksgiving-food-and-wine-what-to/

"Thanksgiving Food And Wine - What To Serve With The Bird 2021"

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) · Episode 187-Thanksgiving Food And Wine What To Serve With The Bird 2021

Recap: Town Council approves Dean alcohol license and executes right of first refusal for Maple Hill open space

Quick Recap:

• The Town Council recognized two retirees Patti Wyllie, Treasurer-Collector's Department and Tommy Grundstrom, DPW and Ndoumbe Ndoye, Franklin High School, Commonwealth Heroines Award
• Reconsideration of the alcohol license for Dean College per their ABCC appeal resulted in approval by a 7-2 vote
• The right of first refusal for the Maple Hill property was funded and approved by a unanimous 9-0 vote (via roll call). This is the first time the time has accepted its right of first refusal as it was in position to do so with the funds from the Pond St sale ($1.6M) and use of the Community Preservation Act funds now available. It will take time to complete the purchase, then the planning for trails, access parking, etc. can begin. Funding for this improvement work remains to be determined.
• Town Administrator contract approved with minor revisions to extend for 5 years (from 3), increase aligned with that of other town employee commitments, and formalized the annual review with an ad-hoc subcommittee to provide a report to the full Town Council.

----

As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session
 
The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #tc0721
https://twitter.com/hashtag/tc0721?src=hashtag_click 

Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one album

https://photos.app.goo.gl/Z1PGypSXJfKJSZuK9

 
Agenda doc (including connection info) ->  
https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/_2021-07-21_town_council_agenda_2.pdf
 
Agenda folder -> 
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/july-21-town-council-agenda 

 

• Getting ready for the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting at 7 PM. The agenda doc can be found https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/_2021-07-21_town_council_agenda_2.pdf #tc0721
• Real time reporting underway for the Town Council meeting, connection info in image #tc0721

Citizens comments

• Citizens comments, Dale Kurtz announcement of purple heart day, Aug 7, recognition of 18 recipients. Contact veterans office to confirm participation. Monument repair project starting.
• Kerri Bertone treasurer collector announcing paperless billing option, also waiving ACH charge for electronic payments. #tc0721

Approval of minutes

• Motion to approve mins of 5/26 meeting; 5/27 minutes approved also by voice vote; June 9 meeting mins, Jun 23 minutes, approved also via voice vote - 2 abstentions for last vote #tc0721

Recognitions

• Patti Wyllie recognized at retirement after 33 years of service to Town of Franklin #tc0721
• Tommy Grundstrom, DPW sewer dept now retiring after 26 years, #tc0721
• Ndumbe Ndoye, recognition for her selection as a commonwealth heroine. #tc0721
• Public hearing opened for bylaw amendment on tasting rooms, no Public step to comment, EDC subcommittee chair Hamblen speaks for, hearing closes ... up for vote later in meeting #tc0721

Dean College all alcohol license

• Next up, dean college alcohol license up for approval after denial last year by council. ABCC determined no legal reason for denial. Back for approval... #tc0721 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/7a._dean_college.pdf 
• If TC does deny again, the applicant could appeal, would be heard by superior court which would review the hearing by the Council. Not a public hearing, applicants can respond to questions clarification on points. Students would not be tending bar, only Sodexo employees #tc0721
• Councilor Chandler pulled records of last 4 years of police incidents. College may not notify of all incidents, can be handled internally, major ones or per student request do get reported. Alcohol events are well managed by college personnel and Sodexo tip certified #tc0721
• Chandler concerned with 'capricious' comment by ABCC. Council does have broad authority, the applicant does have broad authority. "It is not that simple" #tc0721
• Bissanti Council should not be bullied by ABCC or threat of lawsuit. Dellorco how much have we spent? Just over $2k to defend the community for the prior decision. Jones adds that this is a simplification of the 30 one day licenses with this they did have no incidents #tc0721
• Mercer important to clarify the license for events, no a pub open in the campus center, faculty, college business. #tc0721 Cerel "do you want to take their advice or not?" Hellen State ABCC acts to provide guidance and oversight on the legality of the process.
• Events only license not a liquor license? Kelly - Dean needs to do better community outreach on any number of the other issues, parking etc. #tc0721 a further amendment to add a condition of req 21+ to serve at the events. Bissanti calls this a recipe for disaster
• Exception made for citizen comment which is not part of the public hearing. Another citizen complaining about the student behavior as neighbors. #tc0721
• Confusion between what is allowed per license for the special events vs. general alcohol already on campus from other Franklin establishments. This license doesn't allow for those type purchases. #tc0721
• Roll call vote: Chandler, Bissanti no, all other 7 Councilors voted to approve. 7-2 vote, it passes. #tc0721

Legislation for Action

• Next up, gift resolution. https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10a._21-40_library_gift.pdf #tc0721 vote passes 9-0
• Gift acceptance https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10b._vets_gift.pdf Vote to approve, 9-0 passes #tc0721 Gift acceptance, police dept https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10c._pd_gift.pdf vote to approve, passes 9-0
• Gift acceptance, fire dept #tc0721 https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10d._21-43_fd_gift.pdf vote to approve, passes 9-0 Bylaw amendment, stop signs https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10e._21-870_stop_signs.pdf vote to pass after second reading, passes 9-0 via roll call
• Zoning bylaw amendment, tasting room #tc0721 https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10f._21-872_tasting_room_0.pdf removes the 25% required per feedback via EDC listening sessions After second reading, vote to approve, passes 9-0 via roll call

Maple Hill right of first refusal

• Appropriate funds for Maple Hill right of first refusal #tc0721 https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10g_maple_hill.pdf FinCom and CPC gave prior approval, CPC specifically for the use of CPA funds for this vote to approve, passes 9-0 via roll call (for purpose of record)
• Approval of acceptance of first refusal option https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10g_maple_hill_0.pdf. #tc0721 While the prior provides the fund, this applies the funds to the purchase the land as outlined with CPA funds (inspite of what bond counsel reqmts called for) passes 9-0 via roll call

Town Administrator report

• Many happy people out there voted for this historic vote. #tc0721 TA Hellen report, grant for $20k for complete streets for chairs, lighting, barriers for outdoor dining downtown. Thanks to the 4th of July committee for their work. Quiet zone study money rec'd.
• Thanks to Chrissy Welton for her work, she is moving to FL, best wishes. #tc0721 Dean Ave parking for future agenda. Thanks to those who voted for CPA, put us position to make the purchase of Maple Hill. Last word "awesome" for Chrissy. Dean relationship does need to improve
• #tc0721 thanks to prior Councils for identifying the Maple Hill space and helping to work towards the purchase today. Executive session, will return to open session, subject to what happens for final adjournment. Negotiate with TA, motion and 2nd passes via roll 9-0

Executive session

Return to open session

• Council returns to open session, contract for Jamie, FY 22 same salary (2% COLA) no new financial commitments, removes auto increases, replaced by increase inline with other municipal employees, also reqs ad hoc sub comm to do review and bring to full council. #tc0721
• No comments on new contract, motion to approve, passes 9-0 Motion to adjourn, passes 9-0 #tc0721

Audio recording of meeting to be available in couple of days 

Dean College officials answering questions during the alcohol license discussion

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - July 21, 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. May 26, 2021
b. May 27, 2021
c. June 9, 2021
d. June 23, 2021

4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

a. Retirement: Patti Wyllie, Treasurer-Collector's Department 
b. Retirement: Tommy Gundstrom, DPW 
c. Recognition: Ndoumbe Ndoye, Franklin High School, Commonwealth Heroines Award

5. APPOINTMENTS

None Scheduled

6. HEARINGS - 7:10pm

a. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 21-872: To Amend The Franklin Town Code At Chapter 185, Section 3, Definitions, Tasting Room 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10f._21-872_tasting_room.pdf

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

Dean College: New Section 12 All Alcoholic Beverages License, Located at 135 Emmons Street, Franklin, MA.
Town Administrator Memo Summary;
Dean College Section 12 All Alcoholic Beverages license application; 
Town Council meeting minutes April 15, 2020, May 6, 2020;
Town Council Statement of Reason of denial; 
Dean College appeal to the ABCC;
ABCC Appeal decision.

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/7a._dean_college.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

Resolution 21-40: Gift acceptance - Franklin Public Library, $24,850 (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-40 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10a._21-40_library_gift.pdf

10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

Resolution 21-41: Gift acceptance - Veterans Services Department, $700 (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-41 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10b._vets_gift.pdf

10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

Resolution 21-42: Gift acceptance - Franklin Police Department, $100 (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-42 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10c._pd_gift.pdf

10d. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

Resolution 21-43: Gift acceptance - Franklin Fire Department, $100 (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-43 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10d._21-43_fd_gift.pdf

10e. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

Bylaw Amendment 21-870: Chapter 170, Vehicles And Traffic, Section 170-22, Subsection A, Location of Stop Signs - Second Reading (Motion to adopt Bylaw Amendment 21-870 - Majority Roll Call Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10e._21-870_stop_signs.pdf

10f. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

Zoning Bylaw Amendment 21-872: To Amend The Franklin Town Code At Chapter 185, Section 3, Definitions, Tasting Room - Second Reading (Motion to adopt Zoning Bylaw Amendment 21-872 - Two Thirds Majority Roll Call Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10f._21-872_tasting_room_0.pdf

10g. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

Resolution 21-44: Appropriating Funds by Borrowing and Transfer to Pay Costs of Land Acquisition: Land of Franklin LaBastie Family, LLC off Maple Street (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-44 -Two Thirds Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10g_maple_hill.pdf

10h. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

Resolution 21-45: Town Of Franklin’s Exercise Of Town’s Chapter 61a, Section 14 First Refusal Option, Re: Land Of Franklin Labastie Family, LLC Off Maple Street (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-45 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10g_maple_hill_0.pdf

11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION

Exception #2: Contract negotiations with non-union personnel, namely: Town Administrator

15. RETURN TO OPEN SESSION

Vote on approving Administrator contract, subject to Executive Session outcome
Legislation for action: 
Resolution 21-39: Approval of Town Administrator’s Contract (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-39 Majority Vote)

ADJOURN

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

The single PDF for the agenda and released documents

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/_2021-07-21_town_council_agenda.pdf

The agenda page with links to the individual documents

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/july-21-town-council-agenda

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - July 21, 2021

Public Hearing: MADD Deli, Inc d/b/a Dacey's Market & Deli - New Wine & Malt Retail Store License

Public Hearing: MADD Deli, Inc d/b/a Dacey's Market & Deli - New Wine & Malt Retail Store License

The Franklin Town Council will hold a Public Hearing on  an application by MADD Deli,Inc. d/b/a Dacey’s Market and Deli, located at 353 Lincoln Street, Franklin, MA for a New Wine & Malt Retail Package Store License. This hearing will be held on Wednesday, February 17, 2021 at 7:10 PM.

This hearing will provide an open forum for the discussion. This meeting will be held remotely via the “ZOOM” platform. Residents can visit the Town Website (Franklinma.gov) and click on the Town Calendar for up to date information on how to access the meeting.

If you have any questions, please call the Town Administrator’s Office at (508) 520-4949.

Shared from:
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/2021-02-01_wed_abutters_-_madd_deli_inc_daceys_market_deli_2.pdf

 

Public Hearing: MADD Deli, Inc d/b/a Dacey's Market & Deli

 

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

Pour Richard's Pennywise - virtual sale through Sunday, Aug 16

"Have you ever had a great meal-and a superb bottle of wine- at a restaurant, then tried to recreate that experience at home, only to find you absolutely cannot buy that wine without going to a restaurant and paying approximately 4 times the wholesale cost of the bottle?

Well. Check this out-with restaurants closed or at limited capacity, we got our hot little hands on some of those coveted bottles. Not only that, but we're selling them at a discount! We have plenty of the usual crowd-pleasing penny-saving bargains you expect from Pennywise, but also: Magnums of Chateauneuf-du-Pape for $65. 50% off Premier Cru Burgundy. Stellar Pinot Noir. Bodacious Zinfandel. Mature vintage of an iconic Napa Cabernet. And more. SO much more. 

This is without a doubt the best Pennywise list I've ever put together. So if you love wine, know someone who loves wine, or even think you'd like to learn to love wine, tune in tomorrow at 9-you'll be glad you did!

Ordering ends Sunday @ 6PM. The orders will be ready for pickup anytime after 5 PM on Friday, August 21.

Then save some green on red, white, and pink!"

Shopping starts at 9 AM HERE

https://pourrichardswine.com/product-category/specials/

 

Pennywise: THE ‘RESTAURANT-ONLY’ EDIT

In the News: cocktails to go legislation signed; police chiefs object to police reform drafts in House/Senate

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

"Gov. Charlie Baker on Monday afternoon signed a pair of bills that will update the state’s approach to mosquito control and allow restaurants to sell sealed containers of mixed drinks with their takeout and delivery food orders. 

Lawmakers sent Baker those two bills on Thursday, along with a $1 billion supplemental budget that focuses on spending related to the state’s COVID-19 response. That spending bill (H 4808) remains on Baker’s desk, and he has until Sunday to act on it. 

“While many mom and pop establishments have been able to slowly reopen in recent weeks, they still face significant challenges in their efforts to retain employees and pay their bills,” said State Sen. Diana DiZoglio, who filed the legislation. “According to our local, family owned and operated restaurants, these measures could help them generate thousands of dollars a month and would greatly assist them in paying utility bills and rent.” 

The new to-go cocktails law (S 2812) is aimed at helping restaurants generate additional revenue while their operations are restricted amid the COVID-19 crisis. It follows an April law that allowed restaurants to sell beer and wine alongside takeout and delivery, and restaurants will now be able to sell limited quantities of beer, wine and mixed drinks for off-premises consumption through February 2021 or until the COVID-19 state of emergency is lifted, whichever comes later."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200721/cocktails-to-go-and-mosquito-bills-become-law-in-massachusetts?rssfeed=true

"For years, Massachusetts police chiefs say, they’ve been ignored by state lawmakers. Now, police say legislators are threatening their safety - and the safety of the public — through proposed police reform measures. 

“Law enforcement in Massachusetts is under attack by a liberal element that wants to bring shame (to police officers) that none of us understand,” said Hampden Police Chief Jeff Farnsworth, president of the Massachusetts Police Chiefs Association, on Tuesday. Massachusetts police have been leading the way in model police standards in the United States for years – but those efforts haven’t been acknowledged by legislators, he said. 

“As leaders, we can stand here today and tell you, the legislation will not make us safer,” Farnsworth said. 

Farnsworth was joined by nearly 100 of the state’s 351 police chiefs Tuesday morning in Framingham to criticize two police reform bills that were recently moved by the Senate and House. The chiefs urged Gov. Charlie Baker and state legislators to work with police on the legislation instead of cutting them out of the conversation."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200721/mass-police-chiefs-criticize-lawmakers-on-rushing-police-reform-bills?rssfeed=true

Senate Passes Bill to Expand Take-Out and Delivery Options in Restaurants

On Friday, July 10, 2020, the Massachusetts State Senate passed bipartisan legislation that gives restaurants more flexibility, and customers more choice, while the Commonwealth continues to confront the COVID-19 pandemic.

The bill, An Act to Expand Take-out/Delivery Options in Response to COVID-19, would allow restaurants to include mixed drinks with take-out and delivery orders. Restaurants were previously authorized by the legislature to sell beer and wine with take-out orders. The bill would authorize restaurants to serve mixed-drinks to-go until the Massachusetts' state of emergency in response to COVID-19, declared by the Governor on March 10, 2020 is lifted.

"The Senate has stood by our small business owners throughout this pandemic, and today's bill provides yet another tool to help the restaurant industry get back on their feet," stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "While the work to support our small businesses impacted by COVID-19 continues, I am proud to see this measure advance today. I want to thank Senators Diana DiZoglio, Michael Rodrigues and Joe Boncore for their advocacy and collaboration on this issue."

"The Senate's passage of this bill provides critical relief to struggling restaurants as they work to recover and remain viable in the face of economic hardship," said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D - Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. "Restaurants have been among the hardest-hit industries during the COVID-10 pandemic, and I am glad - thanks to the leadership of the Senate President, and the advocacy of Senator DiZoglio and others - we are able to provide restaurants with this economic lifeline during this challenging time."

"Since the start of the COVID-19 emergency, I have heard from our local restaurant owners about the revenue that to-go mixed drinks could generate to help them stay afloat and survive the impacts of the shutdown," said State Senator Diana DiZoglio (D-Methuen). "While many mom and pop establishments have been able to slowly reopen in recent weeks, they still face significant challenges in their efforts to retain employees and pay their bills. While the legislature does not have a say in the reopening plan during this continued state of emergency, we still have an obligation to use every legislative tool we have to help those that are struggling due to the pandemic. The passage of this bill will greatly help our job creators in the restaurant community, as well as their employees, many of whom have faced challenges with unemployment and uncertainty over whether their jobs will be there for them in the future. I am grateful to my colleagues in the legislature for their support and continued advocacy on the issue. I hope this bill will be signed into law by the Governor as soon as possible."  

"Restaurants and bars are woven into the cultural and economic fabric of our communities," said State Senator Joe Boncore (D-Winthrop). "Allowing for cocktail sales to go will certainly aid in the economic recovery of the unique local and small businesses that make up the restaurant industry in my district, and across the Commonwealth."

Under the bill, restaurants would still be required to verify that customers are 21 or older and mixed drinks must be sold in sealed containers. The legislation requires that mixed drinks be sold exclusively with food, limited to two mixed drinks per entrée, and not more than 64 ounces in total.

The bill is the latest in a series of far-reaching actions by the Senate meant to support small businesses during the COVID-19 public health crisis. The bill now moves to the Massachusetts House of Representatives for consideration.

In the News: "the Senate passed a redrafted version of to-go cocktail legislation"

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

"Both branches of the state Legislature have now signed off on allowing Massachusetts restaurants to sell to-go cocktails. 

The Senate on Friday passed a bill that would allow restaurants to sell mixed drinks in sealed containers alongside takeout and delivery food orders, a measure some bar and restaurant owners have been advocating for as a way to attract customers during the COVID-19 crisis that has hurt the restaurant sector. 

Unlike the broader restaurant relief bill the House passed unanimously five weeks ago -- which also included a cap on third-party delivery fees and waived penalties and interest for late meals tax payments -- the Senate’s bill (S 2812) speaks only to the issue of takeout cocktails. 

The two branches would need to agree on an approach before they could send a bill to Baker, who said last month that he supported the House’s restaurant bill. The House was not in session on Friday and meets next on Monday."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200710/senate-restaurant-aid-bill-limited-to-to-go-cocktails/1

In the News: “remain open to a negotiated resolution"

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

"A proposed question to allow more stores to sell beer and wine will not appear on the ballot this fall and its backers will instead work to put the question before voters in 2022.

Cumberland Farms, the Westborough-based convenience store giant that was leading the ballot initiative campaign, said Friday night that it is dropping its effort due to the COVID-19 pandemic’s impacts on the retail sector and the company’s corresponding need to focus more on the health and safety of its workers and customers.

“They deserve our undivided attention as we fulfill our ongoing commitment to safely providing essential services in cities and towns across Massachusetts. To that end, it’s become clear that leading an eight-figure ballot measure campaign is not a prudent course of action at this particular moment in history,” said Matt Durand, chairman of the ballot question committee and head of public policy at Cumberland Farms. “Make no mistake: The issue of safe and fair competition in the beverage alcohol marketplace remains a top legislative priority for Cumberland Farms and other food stores, just as it remains an important question of public policy for this commonwealth. As we’ve said from the beginning, we’re prepared to take this effort all the way to the voters if necessary. That position has not changed, and I look forward to the next biennial election cycle.”

The proposed question, according to the attorney general’s summary, would “create a license allowing food stores to sell wine and beer for off-premises consumption, progressively increase and then eliminate the limit on the number of licenses for the sale of alcoholic beverages consumed off-premises that any one retailer could own or control.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200627/cumberland-farms-drops-beer-and-wine-ballot-question

Town Council denies Dean College liquor license; approved trash/recycling fee increase

Briefly:

• The Council denied Dean College a liquor license to replace the daily/event based one they request up to 30 times a year. No issues ever over the years of this process, yet fears of future problems prevailed for Council vote. With one member absent, the vote was 4-4 hence failing
• The water resource map was updated as a formality and necessary to correct technical errors, this was approved as the last legislative item for action
• The coronavirus update by Town Administrator Jamie Hellen still seems inadequate for at least one Councilor. The plan was released for the phased re-opening of Town operations but it seems to have been not enough
• The trash recycling fee increase was approved 8-0-1 (1 absent, 8 for)
• Action on the Community Preservation Act was punted to a future (June?) meeting primarily for tworeasons, Pellegri's absence and concern over the 3% proposal, although the Council still seems to want to put it on the November ballot. And they have time to do so by voting to approve before October

My real-time notes for the Town Council meeting of May 6, a lengthy session on Wednesday night.

• Real time reporting underway for Town Council meeting tonight, #tc0506
• 8 of the 9 Council in attendance tonight (Pellegri absent) approx 26 total participating at start of meeting #tc0506
• Motion to approve minutes of March 22; seconded passed 8-0-1 via roll call (1 absent) #tc0506
• Jackie Maciel lives on Elm St regarding COVID-19 data as published, raising problem with the #s as reported; towns being held hostage by the cities. Makes reference to AG Barr. #tc0506
• Next item water resource map update for hearing, had been discussed in time BCE (before coronavirus era) required per state DEP, really a house cleaning item. #tc0506 TA Jamie Hellen provides update, No cost to it. Up to 29 participating now
• Need to update map due to zoning requirements for the water resource protection, a developer had a proposal stopped to an inaccurate map #tc0506
• Dean college license application for liquor as discussed in last meeting back up for discussion, and revised since last time per discussion. Modifications to address items raised last time. New license would replace the daily ones they had been using #tc0506
• Discussion continues, side issues of future, and safety, and would this license then lead to a brewery desire? No, not desired by Dean, trying to simplify the license process for the Town and Dean #tc0506
• Annual license actually provides more oversight and protection (than the 30 x daily licenses) which is what some Councilors are asking for but appear to be getting confused by the side issues they raise #tc0506
• TA Hellen provides summary and updates to various points raised during the discussion. #tc0506
• Roll call vote on the amendment to add the restrictions to the motion, passed 8-0-1 (1 absent) vote on measure itself: Bissanti no, Chandler no, Dellorco no, Kelly no, motion does not carry as it finishes with a 4-4-1 (1 absent) #tc0506
• Moving on to coronavirus update, up to 98 cases, approx 20/week. Plan on return dept by dept shared last week including Library contactless pickup/take out #tc0506 all Beaver St services open next week, only brush this week
• Councilor Jones asking for the plan when the TA already said that is further away. There is NO public access under the first wave of the plan released. Not ready to make those decisions, discussion still underway #tc0506
• Moving on to Community Preservation act, recap of what's been done to get here. Did include 3% surcharge along with the common exemptions, if to out on ballot for Nov, need to decide by October. #tc0506
• Concern on the 3% item, maybe go lower initially. Get it passed, and perhaps after we have had success raise it later. Bissanti asking for delay to allow Pellegri to participate. #tc0506 most community went with 3 for the additional match/round of funding available
• Can getting kicked down the road on this item, seeming for and mostly for 3% but deferring to Pellegri for her to weigh in at a meeting in June #tc0506
• 1- Budget subcomm update on discussion 5/4 with follow up meeting on 5/11 at 5:30pm #tc0506 2- EDC meeting on inclusionary zoning held, another to be scheduled meeting notes and audio posted
• Legislation up now, Bruins Grant of $75K for Fletcher field of basketball street hockey court under construction #tc0506
• Acceptance of gift passed 8-0-1 (1 absent) #tc0506
• Recycling/trash fee increase up for 2nd approval; chart of fees over the years shared previously, still below what we had been paying before we started single stream, vote 8-0-1 (1 absent)
• Next 5 items all up for approval are for the resulting agreements with various negotiation groups. First passed 8-0-1 (1 absent) these were discussed in executive session last week. All should pass by same vote hearing that. Second does
• Third passes, same vote; fourth passes, same vote and fifth passes by same vote - see agenda doc for details vote via roll call 8-0-1 (1 absent) #tc0506
• Zoning bylaw amendment 20-854 passed by 8-0-1 (1 absent)
• Wouldn't due justice to the council comments with this method of notes, listen to the replay for details. #tc0506 thanks to residents for patience and compliance during this. Thanks to the first responders for their work helping us all!
• Motion to adjourn, seconded, passed via roll call 8-0-1(1 absent)

The agenda and associated documents can be found online
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/05/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-may-6.html

screengrab of virtual Town Council meeting 5/6/20