Town Council Meeting - 02/16/22 - Audio in 3 parts

FM #735-736-737 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, numbers 735-736-737 in the series. 

This session shares part of the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, February 16, 2022. 

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: members of the Town Council and Town Administration personnel, the Police new hires, along with their guest and family members were in the Council Chambers, some members of the public participated in person, some via the Zoom conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

I’ve split the three hour and 10 minute meeting into three (3) logical segments:

• First - covers the opening, the swearing in of four Police Dept new hires, the West St/Dean College neighborhood parking discussion (~55 minutes)  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-735-town-council-meeting-02-16-22-p1-of-3
• Second - covers the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) presentation and discussion by Supt Sara Ahern and Asst Supt Lucas Giguere (~ 90 minutes) https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-736-town-council-meeting-02-16-22-p2-of-3
• Third - covers the Subcommittee reports, Legislation for Action, Council Comments, and meeting close (~ 41 minutes ) https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-737-town-council-meeting-02-16-22-p3-of-3

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda. Let’s listen to this segment of the Town Council meeting of Feb 16, 2022

Part 1 -

Part 2 -

Part 3 -

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Town Council Agenda document  -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/02/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-feb-16.html

Presentation Diversity, Equity & Inclusion - Sara Ahern, Superintendent of Schools -> https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/dei_presentation_february_8_2022_5.pdf

My notes for the meeting ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/02/recap-town-council-views-4-police-new.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 www.Franklinmatters.org   or www.franklin.news 

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

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

I hope you enjoy!

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

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

Town Council Meeting - 02/16/22 - Audio in 3 parts

Recap: Town Council views 4 police new hires, discusses Dean neighborhood parking issue; hears about diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in the schools

Quick recap:

• Four new hires for the Police Dept. were introduced to the community when they were sworn in publicly at the Town Council meeting Wednesday night. They were pinned by family members
• Chief TJ Lynch provided a recap of the Dean College & West St neighborhood parking issues and Lt Riley provided an update on the recent efforts to quantify the problems. Ultimately, this was referred to the Economic Development Subcommittee for further evaluation on a possible increase of parking fees
• Supt Sara Ahern and Asst Supt Lucas Giguere provided a summary of the diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts underway across the Franklin Public Schools. A slightly longer version of the presentation was held at the School Committee meeting on Feb 8
• Town Administrator Jamie Hellen was reviewed and provided feedback as "exemplary" during the prior two year period, primarily during the pandemic
• The fiscal policies were modified slightly, one with the inclusion of the debt stabilization policy developed during 2021, and two with some adjustments on where the funds would be applied (operational budget vs. stabilization fund in the case of the hotel receipts)

Photos captured during the meeting can be found in one album

https://photos.app.goo.gl/Mpct8CqasejeCXmb9

The meeting agenda ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2022-02-16_town_council_mtg_agenda.pdf

The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion presentation -> 

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/dei_presentation_february_8_2022_5.pdf

My notes taken via Twitter ca be found in this ThreadReader PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BUPP_QA4NIPHPYYXADRbh3x0pAKn8RiB/view?usp=sharing

 

Town Council views 4 police new hires being sworn in

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Feb 16, 2022 - 7 PM

FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL

Agenda & Meeting Packet

February 16, 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 - None Scheduled.

5. APPOINTMENTS

a. New Hire: Police Department - Derek Mackey

b. New Hire: Police Department - Tyler Brabham

c. New Hire: Police Department - Joseph Burchill

d. New Hire: Police Department - Michael Demers

e. New Hire: Police Department - Conor Desmond

6. HEARINGS - 7:10pm - None Scheduled.
7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled.

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
a. Discussion: West Street Neighborhood Parking - Thomas J. Lynch, Chief of Police
b. Presentation: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion - Sara Ahern, Superintendent of Schools

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/dei_presentation_february_8_2022_5.pdf

9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
b. Budget Subcommittee
c. Economic Development Subcommittee
d. Town Administrator Evaluation Ad Hoc Subcommittee Report

10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 22-13: Adoption of Fiscal Policies (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-13 - Majority Vote)

b. Resolution 22-14: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44, §53F3/4 (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-14 - Majority Vote)

 

11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEM
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 and remote connection info ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2022-02-16_town_council_mtg_agenda.pdf

slide from the presentation on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Recap: Town Council Meeting - 09/01/21 - Police new hires & promotions, public hearing completed, executive session on Chap 61a property

Quick Recap:

• 2 police promotions and 2 new hires were recognized and sworn in. The department is staying within their number and backfilling as folks retire or move on as has been noted during the year
• Public hearing on downtown zoning proposal completed but action on the Legislation was deferred pending study being done on overall zoning
• new Superintendent, Karen McGuire, of Tri-County came to present and start building the relationship
• Executive session held on 215 Prospect St, property appraisal required in next 30 days as it may move from Chap 61A

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As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting although this time, reporting live from the Council Chambers.
 
The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #tc0901 
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23tc0901&src=typed_query 
 
Agenda doc (including connection info) ->   
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/9-1-21_town_council_agenda.pdf  

Photos from the Police promotion and swearing in section of the session can be found https://photos.app.goo.gl/VJ494vDqhnX1SEDbA
 

• I am getting ready for the Town Council meeting coming up at 7 PM - #tc0901 - agenda and connection info ->  https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/9-1-21_town_council_agenda.pdf
  
• Council chambers filling up, the local power outage has been resolved (no details on what it was but it appears to have  had a quick fix)! #tc0901 NationalGrid map updated to show the outage clear https://outagemap.ma.nationalgridus.com
  
• tech difficulty, will be live via Zoom, no cable (recorded for broadcast later) #tc0901
  
• copy and paste this URL into your browser: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89536850696 ○ Call-In Phone Number: Call 1-929-205-6099 and enter Meeting ID # 895 3685 0696 --Then press # #tc0901
  
• Chair Mercer updates on meeting broadcast status; #tc0901 Citizen Comments - Nancy Danello, Town Clerk - updates on the forthcoming election, Nov 2. Sep 14, papers due, Sep 30 withdrawal date; Oct 1, ordering the ballots - then the applications for absentee ballots
  
• J Callaway-Tripp - speaking on trash rate increase, all the fees have increased and stormwater is still possible, $8 is a lot for some; "you have no idea on how many it hurts" #tc0901 "the problem is not everyone is being represented"
  
• comment via Zoom user - Jackie M - compliments on the minutes, Q on omissions from the minutes, things were not included in the comments? is this general procedure? re: liquor license for Dean. is it like a court reporter?
• some non-residents attempted to interrupt, they were cleared. #tc0901
  
• Town Admin - Jamie Hellen -"There is an archive of the recordings, available, not required to do something like a stenographer does as the recordings are available" #tc0901  per Attny Cerel, this is more than what is required, not to be a verbatim of discussion
  

Proclamations and recognitions

• moving to proclamations and recognitions - promotions and new hires for Police Dept  
• Sgt Palmieri promo to Sgt #tc0901 photo coming later
  
• Jack Flynn, Promotion to Detective, #tc0901  photo to be added
  
• Patrick MacDonald, New Hire Introduction & Ceremonial Swearing in  #tc0901 photo to be added
  
• Victoria McVicar, New Hire Introduction & Ceremonial Swearing in  #tc0901 photo to be added
  

Appointment

• returning to meeting; appointment to Conservation Commission, Richard Johnson  https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/5a._appointment_r_johnston.pdf…  #tc0901
  
• motion to approve, second, passes 8-0

Public Hearing

• moving to the public hearing on the zoning bylaw; parking downtown, Planning Board did not approve this; J Calloway-Tripp speaking on the measure. #tc0901 "Franklin the traditional village center" she exceeded her time allowed
  
• Bissanti - shame on the Council for letting the C1 zone go. The hearings were held, no one was speaking up. The FDP were fighting for this for years, and where were they. Hamblen - came out of the business listening sessions open to the public #tc0901
  
• MAPC will do a zoning study on potentially recommend other changes. Hamblen recommends waiting until that comes back before changing. #tc0901 Mercer, we did authorize the MAPC to do the study, the hearing was kept, the action item was removed from the agenda.
  
• Bissanti - in defense of the EDC, we spoke for this at length, we are getting torpedoed, folks are not understanding the change for the bylaw and implications of those changes #tc0901
  
• Bissanti - Maybe the EDC is not the best for the zoning discussions. Frongillo - waiting for the study is wise, the studies do recommend we keep parking off the main downtown streets; Planning Board approval is not required for what we need to do. #tc0901
  
• the downtown projects were State and Federal funded for the revitalization, all the work in streetscape work did improve the pedestrian traffic and allow for better traffic flow as well as Fire response to north end, 90 sec improvement #tc0901
  
• Jones, our responsibility ends at the sidewalk, the property owners control more of that than we do. #tc0901 motion to close public hearing, moved, seconded, passes 8-0
  

Tri-County Superintendent

• Karen McGuire, new Superintendent of Tri-County Voc, here to provide intro, meet/greet, etc.
• offers 16 career and technical programs in addition to adult ed, looking for input from stakeholders. what are the challenges. this has been an unprecedented year of challenges #tc0901
  

Subcommittee reports

• Subcommittee reports - EDC - meeting before the next Council meeting, wayfinding signs one item on the agenda #tc0901
  

Legislation for Action

• Legislation for Action - a. Resolution 21-50: Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services, $400  - motion to approve, second, passes 8-0  #tc0901
  
• next up ->  b. Resolution 21-51: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44,
• §53F3/4  (a quarterly transaction) motion to approve, seconded, passes 8-0  #tc0901
  
• next up - c. Resolution 21-52: Budget Stabilization Policy  #tc0901 motion to approve, second, passes 8-0  back ground on the 'rainy day fund' provided by Jamie Hellen, this proposal came from the FinCom after discussion over several meetings
  

Town Administrator Report

• Review of goals set 2 years ago, https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/11a._2020-2021_town_council_goals_update_as_we_go.pdf…  #tc0901 many of the items were accomplished and where not complete, work was mostly done. 23 confirmed cases (down from 31), 49 folks have passed due to COVID-19 in last 18 months
  
• Frongillo - we are still behind on road maintenance, still on stormwater, still need to get to the housing production plan, need to address all the infrastructure requirements of the Town #tc0901
  

Councilor Comments

• Q on plan for Maple Hill? yes, still needed for future #tc0901 local tax exemption for disabled veterans, as a local option; revisiting policy on half-mast flag status; Lincoln St is done, (now folks are going faster) 9/11 flag status reminder sent, TA Hellen will be away
  
• reminder: Sep 10th, zucchini races at the Farmers Market; 9/11 ceremony at Fire Dept; Pellegri -thanks to Rep Roy for arranging the Senator Warren visits to the Library and the Town Common, ashamed of the protestors behavior, didn't need to ruin the event
• Planning Board did start moving forward on the Housing Plan, we disagree on how to resolve it, but we at least recognize it is a problem Franklin needs to face; looking forward to using 'complete streets' going forward. #tc0901
  
• Bissanti - people need affordable housing, #tc0901 
  
• Jones - thanks for the Police/Fire coming for the promotions and swearing in ceremonies; Overdose Awareness Day Aug 31 - 2104 flags laid out on Town Common for those who passed during 2020 in MA.
• Dellorco - thanks to the Councilors for coming to the vigil last night
• Mercer - thanks also to those who came out last night, SAFE is doing good work for our community, they need to be thanked. #tc0901
  

EXECUTIVE SESSION

• a. Considering the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property, because an open meeting
• may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the Board. will reconvene to open session when complete; via roll call vote passes 8-0 #tc0901
  

Return to Close meeting

• returning to open meeting from Executive session, Zoom being re-opened, should commence momentarily  #tc0901 (approx. 40 mins in executive session)
  
• we're back live... #tc0901
  
• report from Exec Session, receipt of statement of intent to convert Chap 61A; 215 Prospect St - this starts a long process, contract with an appraisal of the property required, that is all the info we have, updates as the process proceeds  #tc0901, motion to adjourn, passes 8-0
  

 
Audio recording of meeting to be available in couple of days

 

Victoria McVicar, New Hire Introduction & Ceremonial Swearing In

FM #497 - Town Council Quarterbacking - 03/18/21 (audio)

FM #497 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 497 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: 

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

The show notes include links to the meeting agenda and associated documents.

Our conversation runs about 25 minutes, so let’s listen in to my quarterbacking session with Tom Mercer.

Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/bb4cc8a1-24ed-404d-9ee6-c233fddca435

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Agenda document (and released supporting materials in one PDF) 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/03-17-21_town_council_agenda_1.pdf 

My notes from the meeting

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/03/recap-town-council-meeting-mar-17-2021.html 

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

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

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.
 
For additional information, please visit   Franklinmatters.org/  or www.franklin.news/

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

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

I hope you enjoy!

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

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

 

FM #497 - Town Council Quarterbacking - 03/18/21 (audio)

FM #495 - Town Council Meeting - 03/17/21 - P1 of 2 (audio)

FM #495 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 495 in the series. 

This session shares part 1 of the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, Mar 17, 2021. 

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: most members of the Town Council, selected guests, and Town Administration personnel were in the Council Chambers, at least one member of the Council was remote along with the public via the Zoom conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

I’ve split the almost two hour minute meeting into two logical segments:

• *** First *** - covers the opening through the retirement recognitions and new hire swearing in ceremonies (56 minutes)
• Second - covers the committee reports, the two items for legislation and the remainder of the meeting up to entering Executive Session, not to return to public meeting (42 minutes)

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda including documents released for this agenda. 

Let’s listen to this segment of the Town Council meeting of Mar 17, 2021

Audio link = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/6cf3a4c4-5b7c-440c-b533-7ca66a549330

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Agenda document (and released supporting materials in one PDF) 
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/03/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-mar-17.html 

My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/03/recap-town-council-meeting-mar-17-2021.html  

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

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

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.
 
For additional information, please visit   Franklinmatters.org/  or www.franklin.news/

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

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

I hope you enjoy!

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

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

Kevin Ryan - Retirement Recognition, Franklin Police Department #tc0317 served 44 years, under 5 chiefs Resolutions from House and Senate presented by Rep Roy