Showing posts with label metacomet. Show all posts
Showing posts with label metacomet. Show all posts

Sunday, April 9, 2023

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda for April 12, 2023 meeting

FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL
Agenda & Meeting Packet
April 12, 2023 - 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 - None Scheduled.
4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS - None Scheduled.

5. APPOINTMENTS

6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM
a. License Modification - Change of Officers/Directors/LLC Managers, Change of Stock Interest, Change of Manager: Jai Ho Group, Inc. d/b/a The Curry House, Located at 418 West Central St., Franklin, MA 02038   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/6a._curry_house_application_for_packet_redacted.pdf
i. See 7: License Transactions (a) below

b. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-889: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at Chapter 185, Attachment 7., Part VI, Use Regulation Schedule: Residential Uses  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/6b._public_hearing_23-889.pdf
i. Legislation for Action Item #9a

c. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-890: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at Chapter 185, Section 51   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/6c._public_hearing_23-890.pdf
i. Legislation for Action Item #9b
 
7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
a. License Modification - Change of Officers/Directors/LLC Managers, Change of Stock Interest, Change of Manager: Jai Ho Group, Inc. d/b/a The Curry House, Located at 418 West Central St., Franklin, MA 02038   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/7a._1_license_transaction_-_the_curry_house_multiple_amendments.pdf

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION
a. Presentation: Metacomet Public Health Alliance - Cathleen Liberty, Health Director  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8a._presentation_metacomet_2.pptx.pdf

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
a. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-889: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at Chapter 185, Attachment 7., Part VI, Use Regulation Schedule: Residential Uses - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 23-889 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9a._bylaw_amendment_23-889.pdf
b. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-890: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at Chapter 185, Section 51 - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 23-890 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9b._bylaw_amendment_23-890.pdf
c. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-887 (Formerly 22-887): Zoning Map Changes from Rural Residential II and Single Family Residential III to Rural Residential II or Single Family Residential III an Area On or Near Lincoln St. and Lincolnwood Drive - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-887 (Formerly 22-887) - ⅔ Majority Roll Call Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9c._bylaw_amendment_23-887_w_all_backup.pdf
d. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-891: Zoning Map Changes from Rural Residential II and Single Family Residential III to Rural Residential II or Single Family Residential III an Area On or Near Lincoln St. - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-891 - ⅔ Majority Roll Call Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9d._bylaw_amendment_23-891_w_all_backup.pdf
e. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-894: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185, Section 3 of the Code of the Town of Franklin: Accessory Dwelling Unit Definition - Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Bylaw Amendment 23-894 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9e._23-894.pdf
f. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-895: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at Chapter 185, Attachment 8, Use Regulations Schedule Part VII: Accessory Uses - Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Bylaw Amendment 23-895 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9f._bylaw_amendment_23-895.pdf
g. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-896: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185, Section 19 of the Code of the Town of Franklin: Accessory Dwelling Unit Setbacks - Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Bylaw Amendment 23-896 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9g._bylaw_amendment_23-896.pdf

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
b. Economic Development Subcommittee
c. Budget Subcommittee
d. GATRA Advisory Board

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION - None Scheduled.

15. ADJOURN

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

The agenda doc can also be found on the Town of Franklin page ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_-_april_12_2023.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda for April 12, 2023 meeting
Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda for April 12, 2023 meeting

Friday, May 22, 2020

Town Council - Recap of 5/20/20 meeting (and recording)

My notes were captured via Twitter and tagged #tc0520
Animal Control
  • Presentation by Tracey Taddeo on the Animal Control Dept, a quiet group that does good work. #tc0520
  • Patrick Kelleher leads the Franklin side in the joint effort with Bellingham that Tracey covers
Franklin Food Pantry
SAFE Coalition
  • Next up, SAFE Coalition with Jen Levine and Jim Derick to present, copy of deck to be shared later #tc0520
  • SAFE is busy, one contact leads to approx 8 others ( to confirm details, explore options, etc.) #tc0520
  • 40 people/week reach out for support from SAFE Coalition, while they cover 9 communities, it is still a need that is rather large and being met #tc0520
  • SAFE currently funded by grants and donations #tc0520
Metacomet Emergency Communications Center
  • Next up, the Metacomet Emergency Communications Center (MECC) the regional dispatch center #tc0520 last week was first anniversary of operations so timely albeit delayed due to COVID-19
  • Mendon/Millville regional dispatch will actually merge with the MECC final planning underway
  • Collaboration with depts beyond Fire/Police in Franklin help to make the work that much easier; DPW, technology, Assessors, GIS, facilities, etc. #tc0520
  • Regionalization of dispatch is a success and could be a guide for others to follow. MA had 300plus dispatch centers, CA has 4. With the MECC online and expanding (Millville , Mendon) a source of pride and savings #tc0520
Legislation for Action
Town Administrator Update
  • Senior Center coffee hour on Thursday at 8:30 AM with virtual meeting #tc0520 bring your coffee! Announcement of curbside cafe coming at the meeting but due to start June 1
  • FY2021 budget coming out Thursday, Finance Committee meetings over the next two weeks spread over 4 nights, agendas to show which dept which night, etc. #tc0520 . Need Community engaged as these discussions will be challenging
  • Parks and parking lots to open on Monday, playgrounds will remain closed, masks and social distance requirements still in place #tc0520
  • Board of Health special session on 5/21/20 at 5 PM details on Town of Franklin page effectively #tc0520
Closing
  • Council comments wrapped up, motion to adjourn, passed 8-0-1 via roll call. Real time reporting ends for this meeting with this tweet. #tc0520

The Twitter treads can be found online  https://twitter.com/hashtag/tc0520?src=hashtag_click

FM #273 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 273 in the series.

This session shares the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, May 20, 2020. The meeting was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

The Chair, Tom Mercer opens the meetings, all votes are via roll call, each person speaking is acknowledged by the Chair before speaking. Aside from an occasional bit of background from someone not muted properly, the meeting runs well.

The recording runs about 2 hours and 50 minutes, so let’s listen to the Town Council meeting of May 20, 2020.


https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/Hc9XZ1P7



screen capture during the SAFE Coalition presentation
screen capture during the SAFE Coalition presentation

Sunday, May 17, 2020

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - May 20, 2020


Agenda Meeting Date May 20, 2020

A NOTE TO RESIDENTS: Due to the growing concerns regarding the COVID-19 virus, we will be conducting a remote/virtual Town Council Meeting. In an effort to ensure citizen engagement and comply with open meeting law regulations, citizens will be able to dial into the meeting using the provided phone number (Cell phone or Landline Required) OR citizens can participate by clicking on the attached link (Phone, Computer, or Tablet required). The attached link and phone number will be active for the duration of the meeting for citizens to ask questions/voice concerns.



Link to access meeting: May 20, 2020 Town Council Meeting Link HERE -- Then click “Open Zoom”
Or copy and paste this URL into your browser: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83267080506
Call-In Phone Number: Call 1-929-205-6099 and enter Meeting ID # 832 6708 0506 --Then press #

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS

This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS

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

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

April 15, 2020

4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

a. Designating the Town of Franklin as a Purple Heart Community
b. American Legion
c. Larry Bederian

5. APPOINTMENTS
- None Scheduled

6. HEARINGS - 7:10pm
- None Scheduled

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
- None Scheduled

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
a. Animal Control Department

b. Franklin Food Pantry

c. SAFE Coalition

d. Metacomet Emergency Communication Center (MECC)

9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Capital Budget Subcommittee

b. Budget Subcommittee

c. Economic Development Subcommittee

10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-27: Cell Tower Easement (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-27 - Majority Roll Call Vote)

10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-853: Zoning Map Changes on or Near Pleasant, Chestnut, and Brook Streets - Second Reading (Motion to Adopt Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-853 - Majority Roll Call Vote)

10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-854: Changes to §185-40. Water Resource District - Second reading (Motion to Adopt Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-854 - Majority Roll Call Vote)

10d. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-28: Ratification of the Memorandum of Agreement between the Franklin Police Sergeants Union employees and the Town of Franklin (Motion to approve Resolution 20-28 - Majority Roll Call Vote)

11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT
a. Coronavirus Update
b. FY21 Budget Update

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION
- None Scheduled

ADJOURN

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

This was shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/may-20-town-council-agenda-remote-meeting

The agenda packet can also be found in this PDF file
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/05-20-2020_town_council_meeting_packet.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - May 20, 2020
Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - May 20, 2020

Wednesday, December 26, 2018

“Preserving and protecting land comes at a cost"

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

The Metacomet Land Trust raised more than $30,000 in donations and grants to reach its 30th anniversary fundraising goal in 2018. 
“We are pleased to be celebrating our 30 year milestone as a regional land trust serving 15 communities,” said the organization’s president, Lisa Mosczynski. “We started out 30 years ago with three towns and as more communities saw the need to partner with a land trust to preserve and protect their valuable open space we have expanded to help them. 
Today we own 473 acres of conservation land and hold conservation restrictions that restrict development on an additional 343 acres. Among other partners, the trust works with individual owners, municipalities and the Commonwealth to preserve critical open space in the region.” 
In 2018 the trust finalized the acquisition of another 32 acres through landowner donations in Mendon, Sutton and Upton.
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://franklin.wickedlocal.com/news/20181221/metacomet-land-trust-meets-30th-anniversary-fundraising-goal

Read more about the Land Trust on their page
https://metacometlandtrust.org/

Donate to the cause for 2018  (scroll to the bottom of their home page to find the Donate button)

“Preserving and protecting land comes at a cost"
“Preserving and protecting land comes at a cost"


Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Charles River Meadowlands & #GivingTuesday

Season's Greetings to All,

We have some great news to report. I recently had a follow-up meeting with the Board of Metacomet Land Trust. They have been supportive of the Meadowlands initiative from the start, particularly Susan Speers and Larry Rettman, who have attended all of our meetings and provided much valuable advice. Since we are not a registered 501 (c) 3 it is not really appropriate for us to raise funds to help with the Charles River Meadowlands initiative. 

However, Metacomet has indicated a willingness to continue to work with us. So, if anyone is willing or able to put a few dollars behind their commitment to the Charles River Meadowlands vision, the best way to support us is by either joining Metacomet or by sending along a donation and indicating that your gift should be applied to the Charles River Meadowlands project.

Today, "Giving Tuesday," is an especially appropriate day for taking action. Metacomet Land Trust joins with charities around the country to encourage giving through the #GivingTuesday campaign. Metacomet will be able to set up an earmarked account to support the endeavor. At the very least you will be helping the most active, independent voice for land protection in our area. Please go to metacometlandtrust.org for more information or simply donate here.

In other news, we had a very useful "workshop" in September at the First Universalist Society in Franklin. This meeting brought together town officials, planners, and others and generated useful input for a "vision" document. In early November I also met with the board of the Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee to apprise them of our efforts and to open the door to coordinating our efforts in the future.

Last but not least, our legislators, Jeff Roy and Kevin Kuros are continuing to monitor the funds earmarked for this project in the state budget in an effort to get them moved toward the right people.

We will resume meeting monthly in the new year, at 6:30 PM, Dean Rm, First Universalist Soc. 262 Chestnut St, Franklin, MA.

The dates we have lined up are:
  • Tues. Jan 10
  • Tues. Feb 7
  • Tues Mar 7
  • Tues Apr 4
  • Tues May 2
In the event of inclement weather, feel free to call my cell phone – 508 560 3786.

Sincerely,

Alan Earls
Charles River Meadowlands initiative
www.charlesrivermeadowlands.org

Charles River Meadowlands
Charles River Meadowlands

The Metacomet Land Trust website can be found  http://metacometlandtrust.org/

Thursday, April 14, 2016

Mine Brook Area Cleanup and Walk Planned in Franklin

Metacomet Land Trust will sponsor a trail walk and cleanup of the town open space near Mine Brook in Franklin in cooperation with the Charles River Meadowland Initiative, the Charles River Watershed Association and the Town of Franklin Earth Day celebration. 

Everyone is welcome; families with young children please email for more information about conditions.

WHEN: 
Saturday, April 30, at 10:30 AM, rain or shine – duration, approximately 90 minutes

WHERE: 
Town-owned open space along Mine Brook, accessed through the Pond Street Property of the Town of Franklin. Follow the dirt driveway to the north of the the Kinder Care daycare facility at 42 Pond St. to the open “parking” area at the end, approximately 1000 feet. [This location is also known as the former sewer bed area.] While the trail is level, the trail may be overgrown and brushy. Please be prepared for wet ground. Please bring insect repellent, hat and work gloves of your choice. 

Link to Google Maps

WHAT: 
Free; suggested for adults, teens, and families with children 10 and older. Volunteers from Metacomet and the Charles River Meadowland Initiative will be on site to lead a walk over and through town land toward the vicinity of Mine Brook and the US Army Corps of Engineers Upper Charles flood control project lands. The focus is both to clean up any litter along path and to provide the public and local officials with an introduction to the 500 acres of contiguous open space in the proposed Charles River Meadowland area. Trash bags will be provided.

WHY: 
The Charles River Meadowland Initiative is working to bring together Federal and State agencies, as well as citizens and town governments in Bellingham, Franklin, and Medway to improve access to and management of this important open space resource. We also will use this occasion to contribute to the annual cleanup efforts of the Charles River Watershed Association. Mine Brook flows into the Charles River.

Please register to attend so we can provide enough materials for all: please contact Alan Earls at alan.r.earls@gmail.com (mention Cleanup in the subject line) or by call 508 528 6930.​
Mine Brook seen looking toward i495
Mine Brook seen looking toward i495

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Metacomet Land Trust has a new web presence

The Metacomet Land Trust has a new and updated website.  

"Since 1988 Metacomet has worked with landowners, towns and state agencies to permanently protect land. MLT owns more than 350 acres across our member communities, protects another 162 acres through Conservation Restrictions, and has assisted in the conservation of another 900 acres---land that is now town open space, state parks and forests, and state wildlife management areas. 
Follow us @MetacometLandTr on Twitter 
Metacomet proudly serves the communities of Bellingham, Blackstone, Douglas, Franklin, Mendon, Millbury, Millville, Norfolk, Northbridge, Sutton, Upton, Uxbridge, and Wrentham."
Visit -> http://metacometlandtrust.org/

screen grab of the new Metacomet Land Trust webpage
screen grab of the new Metacomet Land Trust webpage

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

ROCK AND ROLL AND LAND PRESERVATION: How WBCN Radio Helped Save the Blackstone Gorge


Former WBCN Radio disk jockey Carter Alan, now Music Director at WZLX, will speak on Thursday, May 15th at the First Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut Street, sponsored by Metacomet Land Trust. Carter will speak about the impact WBCN had on the culture of the time. Carter will share stories from his book, Radio Free Boston: The Rise and Fall of WBCN.

Metacomet is a nonprofit conservation organization based in Franklin, and now active in 13 communities in south central Massachusetts from Norfolk to Douglas. The trust will hold its annual membership meeting starting at 6:30 p.m. and the free program will begin at 7:00 p.m. 
The connection between the local conservation group and the rock music scene of Boston dates to 1992, when a unique and untouched stretch of the Blackstone River on the border between Massachusetts and Rhode Island was at risk of development. Would it be sold for development or could it be saved? 
An unusual grassroots campaign by Metacomet took to the airwaves of Boston’s leading rock radio station, WBCN. In less than a year, the needed funds were raised and this special place was preserved as a bi-state public park. How did it happen? Come hear the story of how a small group of local conservationists enlisted the support of the on-air personalities at WBCN and helped save the land.
Tom Bik, of Blackstone, who has been active in the conservation group since its founding in 1988, said “WBCN was instrumental in getting our message out to save the Blackstone Gorge. The Gorge is a unique place, still untouched by human hands.” Blaring the Cream anthem “I Feel Free,” WBCN went on the air in March 1968 as an experiment in free-form rock on the fledgling FM radio band. It broadcast its final song, Pink Floyd’s “Shine On You Crazy Diamond,” in August 2009. 
In between, WBCN became the musical, cultural, and political voice of the young people of Boston and New England, sustaining a vibrant local music scene that launched such artists as the J. Geils Band, Aerosmith, James Taylor, Boston, the Cars, and the Dropkick Murphys, as well as paving the way for Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, U2, and many others. Along the way, WBCN both pioneered and defined progressive rock radio, the dominant format for a generation of listeners. 
Carter was a DJ at WBCN for nineteen years and is the author of U2, Outside Is America, and Life on the Road. In Radio Free Boston, Carter tells story of a city; of artistic freedom, of music and politics and identity; and of the cultural, technological, and financial forces that killed rock radio. 
Carter will answer questions at the end of his talk. Copies of Radio Free Boston will be available for purchase at the event and he will sign copies.

ROCK AND ROLL AND LAND PRESERVATION
ROCK AND ROLL AND LAND PRESERVATION

Find out more about the Metacomet Land Trust by visiting their updated webpage
http://www.metacometlandtrust.org/index.htm

or visit them on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Metacomet-Land-Trust/233206973376705

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Bats in peril



Program: Bats in peril: The Uncertain Future of North America's Winged Mammals

When: Saturday, October 22nd, 2:00 p.m.

Where: Franklin Public Library

Cost: Free

Info: Kate Langwig is a second year graduate student in the PhD program in Ecology, Behavior, and
Evolution. She obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience from Union College, and has worked for the Albany Pine Bush Preserve, The Nature Conservancy, and New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. For the past three years she has been studying the recently emerged infectious disease of bats,
white-nose syndrome. She is a co-author on three papers on the disease, including an article projecting regional extinction of the little brown myotis which appeared in the journal Science in 2010. Her primary research is focused on investigating white-nose syndrome transmission dynamics in multiple bat species.


2011 Metacomet Annual Meeting Program


More about the Metacomet Land Trust can be found on their website