FM #367 - EDC Listening Session 2 - 10/19/20 (audio)

FM #367 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 367 in the series.

This shares the Economic Development Committee Business Listening Session #2 that was held on Monday, October 19, 2020. 

The meeting started about 30 minutes late with no explanation as to why. There was an expression of ‘thanks for your patience.’ Two representatives of the Franklin legislative delegation (from the office of Senator Splika and Senator Rausch) were on and left before the meeting was opened.

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid mode; some of the key participants in the Council Chambers the remainder participated virtually via Zoom conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Links to the meeting agenda, future schedule for the listening sessions, and my notes are in the show notes. The recording runs just over an hour and fifty three minutes (~1:53)  Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HZrzckZK

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Meeting agenda  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/restaurants-hotels-hospitality-business.html

Future schedule of listening sessions
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/business_listening_flyer_-_final_2_1_1.pdf

My notes captured via Twitter and shared here in summary form
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/economic-developemnt-committee-quick.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/
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"

 

FM #367 - EDC Listening Session 2 - 10/19/20 (audio)

Economic Development Committee: Quick recap of the Business Listening Session 2 - Oct 19, 2020

Quick recap:

• The meeting started about 30 minutes late with no explanation as to why.
• There was an expression of ‘thanks for your patience.’
• Two representatives of the Franklin legislative delegation (from the offices’ of Senator Splika and Senator Rausch) were present early in the pre-meeting and actual meeting
  
• Owner/operators of Hampton Inn, 67 Degrees Brewing Co and Rhapsody Cafe were present to share their stories of struggle to survive

 

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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  #edcls1019
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23edcls1019&src=typeahead_click

Other photos taken during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one folder https://photos.app.goo.gl/hgVYYxKJC6ShomA8A

• Real time reporting underway for the EDC listening session #edcls1019 Hampton open and underutilized, struggling to make it
• #edcls1019 what can we do to help? #thinkFranklinFirst one thing. Wedding market none existing, sports market little to nothing, Dean closed so no help there... Travel is down, along with excess capacity, a problem...
• Running with 9 employee on desk and a couple of house keepers, limited grab and go, could use the outdoor pool during the summer, others with indoor pools were closed. #edcls1019 extended stay have done better than hotels in this time, due to facilities
• #edcls1019 discussion on hotel tax is a local option, would require legislation to defer. (domino effects to that) (a deviation to this "listening session" by attempting to resolve the issue at hand)
• Suggestion from Lisa/FDP, maybe the ultimate 'staycation' space and coordinate with local restaurants for take out, #edcls1019 FDP working with local papers to get creative for holidays, etc.
• Jack Lank of Chamber touts their Facebook page to 'Rally round the restaurants' https://facebook.com/United-Regionals-Rally-round-the-Restaurants-109228560731634/ #edcls1019 also the chamber has a back to business page same concept wider business spread
• https://facebook.com/United-Regionals-Back-to-Business-106228444403838/ the back to business link #edcls1019 "scare the dark out of the closet"
• Chamber does verify info before posting, did see 24K visitors to social media pages in last several weeks to get info #edcls1019 Taste of the region would have been 35th year
• 67 Degrees had just opened before the super bowl, expedited their growth plan to survive, canning had not been in the plan initially. #edcls1019 initially opened with chips/hummus was good, then shifting to real food becomes a challenge, i.e. food trucks restricted
• Now looking to see what the indoor capacity req would be; currently only have 39, if 25 req that's a challenge. #edcls1019 need servesafe certified, in combo with a caterer? Looking for clarification. Hotels here don't have their own kitchen, King St has been wonderful
• #edcls1019 Bissanti knows of caterers who would stay on site; caterer business is not booming right now. Motion on Town Council agenda to help with food trucks for winter time via the farm license. Local restaurants have been good help but aren't staffed for dual ops
• Food truck serves a different market maybe lunch crowd but different from a dinner at a restaurant. #edcls1019 servesafe certified is a MA requirement. Rhapsody owner present, kinda holding their own doing all they can to stay afloat
• Outside seating will go away with weather, surviving barely. Micro grant application for business with less than 5 employee, still accepting apps. Eligible up to 10K. A lot of work for an admin to do, extra effort, working round the clock #edcls1019 worth effort or waste of time
• Rep Roy these conversations are happening every day trying to figure ways to help #edcls1019 resources are available for help, if you have trouble navigating let me know. Will see what options are for deferral
• Partnership meeting Thursday Nov 5, don't have to be a partner to attend, working on holiday happening ideas, looking to advocate Franklin first. Lighting up Franklin, little money required to get lights on, for downtown and beyond, until March 1 #edcls1019
• Oops, I guess I never signed off formally last night. Hope you all realized that! The meeting was interesting starting 30 minutes, late and all.. catch you next time #edcls1019

 

Quick recap of the Business Listening Session 2 - Oct 19, 2020

Restaurants, Hotels & Hospitality Business Listening Session Meeting - Oct 19

Hello!

 

Thank you for your interest in joining our upcoming Business Listening Session on Monday, October 19th at 6:30 pm!  Our focus of the evening will be the Restaurant, Hotel & Hospitality Industry.  We are looking forward to hearing from you and learning ways in which the Economic Development Committee and the Town of Franklin can help support your businesses during these difficult times.  We are also looking to the future and hoping to hear feedback and ideas to plan for 2021 and beyond.  

Our goal is truly to listen and learn from our businesses.  We encourage you to come with questions, ideas, strategies, and feedback.

Please find the agenda and meeting links attached  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/2020-10-19_edc_agenda_meeting_1.pdf

Please reach out with any questions.  

Have a good weekend!

 

Anne Marie 

Anne Marie Tracey

Marketing & Communications Specialist

Franklin Public Schools/Town of Franklin

355 East Central Street

Franklin, MA 02038

Email: traceya@franklinps.net

Office: (508)553-4888

School Twitter  School Website School Facebook

Town Twitter Town Website Town Facebook

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/business_listening_flyer.pdf  

Restaurants, Hotels & Hospitality Business Listening Session Meeting - Oct 19

Economic Development Meeting Recap - Oct 7, 2020

Quick Recap:

• Bissanti was late for session so the first vote was 3 members, and remaining votes were 4. Room for improvement in knowing who is on when they are all in the room and no need to do the roll call they used to when remote.
• Two more groups of lotline changes to better align the zoning with lots lines were brought forward for discussion. Both sets moved forward to full Council
• Discussion on feedback from listening session.
• Discussion on a draft trifold doc those in the room were able to see and comment on. Potential for use to tout businesses locally, i.e with the #thinkfranklinfirst tag

Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in this album  https://photos.app.goo.gl/DK9KWgP9PYNj8gpN6

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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  #edc1007
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23edc1007&src=typed_query

• Getting ready for Real time reporting for the Economic Development meeting tonight 5:45 agenda and link info here https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/2020-10-07_edc_agenda_complete_web_version.pdf  #EDC1007 
• Multiple ways to participate: listen/watch only - Verizon 29 or Comcast 11 local cable channels ; via zoom at link in agenda doc, or via live stream via Town web page https://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/live-meetings-stream #EDC1007 or follow text notes here, your choice
• Meeting opening protocol message being read at start. #edc1007
• Lot line changes next package, #5 in series, last set on Oak St. #edc1007
• #edc1007 clarification questions on the changes and how the lines fell, circles vs ways handled differently by developers overtime motion to move to full council, second, passed (hard to see Committee members present, 3 known so far)
• Next up,  group #6 of lot line changes, #edc1007
• Bissanti now speaking and acknowledged that he arrived late, that makes 4 votes going forward and three for prior. #edc1007
• #edc1007 motion to move to full Council, second, passes 4-0
• Next up follow up on listening session, #1 last week. Sample brochure provided for those in chamber. Q raised on issues with college getting involved with jingle/social campaign
• Hoping for more business participation in coming sessions, #edc1007 Q no one using the parking spaces in municipal lot as well as only a few cars in train station lot. Use of space in municipal lot for art. Anne Marie talking of draft/mockup brochure
• Craft drink brochure to circulate with 67 Degrees, La Cantina, and Glen Pharma to help tell their story and activities. #edc1007 touts #thinkfranklinfirst series of videos on YouTube channel to update them; PPE and thermometers to help with local businesses reopening
• Motion to adjourn. Passed 4-0. That's all for this one. Back at it with Town Council session coming up at 7 PM. #edc1007

Economic Development Meeting Recap - Oct 7, 2020

Economic Development Subcommittee - Meeting Agenda & Meeting Packet - Oct 7, 2020

Agenda:

1.    Lot Line Zoning Change #5
2.    Lot Line Zoning Change #6
3.    Follow up discussion on Listening Session #1: Downtown Franklin, Franklin Crossing & Franklin Cultural District. 

 

The agenda PDF and connection info

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/2020-10-07_edc_agenda_complete_web_version.pdf

 

 

Recording and notes for the Listening Session Number 1 - 9/30/20

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/fm-358-edc-listening-session-number-1.html

 

 

EDC Chair Melanie Hamblen in Sep 30 Listening Session

FM #358 EDC Listening Session Number 1 - 9/30/20 (audio)

FM #358 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 358 in the series.

This shares the Franklin, MA Economic Development SubCommittee "Listening session" that was held on Wednesday, September 30, 2020. The session was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

A quick recap:

• The first of several “listening sessions” was held on Weds, Sep 30.
• While the meeting was delayed in opening officially, there was a healthy interactive discussion among the non-Council Chamber folks while waiting. The conversation unfortunately did not continue when the meeting opened.
• It is a known problem with “listening sessions” where those doing the listening tend to respond to ideas rather than absorbing and asking no more than clarification questions like: please elaborate, what could work, what could be done… and that happened here too.

The meeting runs just about 88 minutes, so let’s listen to the EDC ‘listening session’ of Sep 30, 2020.  Audio file =  https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HDx4fRhK

 

 

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The agenda doc, including connection info
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/2020-09-30_edc_listening_session_1_agenda.pdf
 
Listening Session schedule
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/business_listening_flyer_-_final_2_1_1.pdf
 
My notes taken via Twitter during the meeting are summarized here
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/economic-development-subcommittee.html
 
Photos used in the Twitter thread can be found in the Google photo album
https://photos.app.goo.gl/DKJbMzaqHNqfLs5KA

--------------
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/
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" 

EDC Chair Melanie Hamblen

 

Economic Development Subcommittee: Listening Session 1 - Recap of Sep 30, 2020 Session

Recap:

• The first of several “listening sessions” was held on Weds, Sep 30.
• While the meeting was delayed in opening officially, there was a healthy interactive discussion among the non-Council Chamber folks while waiting. The conversation unfortunately did not continue when the meeting opened.
• It is a known problem with “listening sessions” where those doing the listening tend to respond to ideas rather than absorbing and asking no more than clarification questions like: please elaborate, what could work, what could be done… and that happened here too.

----
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  #edcls0930
https://twitter.com/hashtag/edcls0930?src=hashtag_click

Photos (screen captures) shared via Twitter can be found in one folder

https://photos.app.goo.gl/DKJbMzaqHNqfLs5KA 

 

• Ready for EDC listening session #1 #edcls0930
• Meeting opened but they are running late due to tech difficulty #edcls0930 So we'll wait.
• While we have time to share the economic development page for Franklin https://franklinma.gov/economic-development  #edcls0930
• And the Market Study which is one of the key inputs for the listening session soon to start https://franklinma.gov/economic-development/links/mapc-town-franklin-market-study #edcls0930
• And the MetroWest study is also for consideration https://franklinma.gov/economic-development/files/495metrowest-profile #edcls0930
• Tonight is primarily for downtown Franklin, Franklin Cultural District along with the Crossing section segments of the Franklin market place #edcls0930
• Tech resolution reached, meeting formally opening #edcls0930  (20 mins late)
• Approx 21 via Zoom, some Committee and town folks in the Council chambers #edcls0930 Live stream and Verizon/Comcast cable subscribers also have access to their local channels
• Tony Dasilva of the rail trail Committee notes an increase in traffic on the SNETT #edcls0930 Jamie adds about parking lot at Beaver and Grove, access to State forest, another lot coming to Spring St for access to the SNETT desire to be complete streets enabled
• Long term plan includes work on Kenwood Circle and eventually all along Grove #edcls0930 to bring trail all the way down to the Crossing is desired. CSX owns and uses the stretch so it will take time, time, time
• Friendly reminder if anyone needs the info to join #edcls0930
• Senator Rausch in the audience #edcls0930 Lisa Piana of Downtown Partnership has some info and will be surveying their businesses.
• #ThinkFranklinFirst campaign launches Oct 1 in town social media and newsletter #edcls0930 looking for help in sharing info. Work also underway on cultural district page to reflect current events, etc.
• Recognizing that Amazon is a competitor, is there a way to develop a local delivery service to combine resources among the businesses. Would it be worth it to avoid hitting the Amazon button. #edcls0930 a grubhub for local items (not just food)
• Suggestion on adding more lights downtown around the trees, will the sled be back? #edcls0930 Q on occupancy capacity for the next step per Gov Baker announcement yesterday. Outdoor back to 100, performance venue at half capacity doesn't cover Gillette yet
• Looking to open Library, Senior Center, and Municipal building for Nov 9... #edcls0930
• Drive through expanded hours coming to enable ballot drop off at Municipal building, stay tuned for more info coming. Visit town clerk page for updates. (will also share via https://Franklinmatters.org of course) #edcls0930
• Q on how many businesses are actually represented here? Trail folks, cultural folks, citizens, and there was out reach to business owners, etc. Personal invite to all 820 businesses by ToF office. #edcls0930
• Raul of MAPC encourages use of students at Dean as a resource for helping in marketing or creation of collateral #edcls0930
• How do we create a jingle on the #thinkFranklinFirst theme? #edcls0930 next one Oct 19, restaurants, hospitality, tourism target for that discussion but open to all
• That's all for tonight, catch you all next time. #edcls0930 

EDC Chair Melanie Hamblen

 

Wednesday night: 2 important meetings

First meeting: 

Facilities Analysis Sub Committee Meeting
Wednesday, Sep 30 -  5:00 PM
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/09/facilities-analysis-sub-committee.html

The consultants will come back with the completed facility analysis for review and discussion. This committee had suspended work during the summer due to the preparations required for reopening schools.

Second meeting:

Economic Development Subcommittee - Business Listening & Networking Session #1: Downtown Franklin, The Crossing & Franklin Cultural District

Wednesday, Sep 30 - 6:30 PM

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/09/economic-development-subcommittee.html

The Market Study provides a lot of insights to what Franklin could do to improve. This is the first of a series of listening sessions to gather input before making the action and priority list.

 

a recent photo of DelCarte but not directly related to either meeting

Economic Development Subcommittee: Business Listening & Networking Session #1 - Sep 30

 Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting

Agenda & Meeting Packet

September 30, 2020

6:30 PM

Agenda:

1. Business Listening & Networking Session #1: Downtown Franklin, The Crossing & Franklin Cultural District. 

The members of the EDC will host the first in a series of five Business Listening &  Networking Sessions on sectors of the Town’s economy. 

Anyone is invited to attend and offer public comments.

Link to the agenda doc:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/17UImA84x_AbI-8IGmqqHO82P-qv44vmg/view?usp=sharing

The Market Study:   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/8a._final_town_of_franklin_market_study_1.pdf

The Market Study