Franklin, MA: Town Council - agenda - Nov 16, 2022

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

November 16, 2022 - 7:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building

2nd floor, Council Chambers 355 East Central Street 

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

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

b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS

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

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. October 19, 2022

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

a. Becki Carloni - Franklin Fire Department  

5. APPOINTMENTS

a. Library Board of Directors - Alison Wallace   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/5a._appointment_alison_wallace.pdf

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

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

a. La Cantina Winery Company, Farmer-Winery, Special License to allow sale of wine at 2022-2023 Franklin Winter Farmers’ Market located at 887 Lincoln Street   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/7a._license_la_cantina_0.pdf

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Presentation: Recreation Department, Ryan Jette, Director of Recreation

b. Discussion: Davis-Thayer Reuse Committee   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8b._davis_thayer_0.pdf

 

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 22-71: Further Amending the Senior Citizen Property Tax Work-off Abatement Program (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-71 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9a._22-71_sr_tax_workoff_0.pdf

b. Resolution 22-72: Further Amending the Veterans’ Property Tax Work-off Abatement Program (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-72 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9b._22-72_veterans_tax_workoff.pdf

c. Resolution 22-73: General Funds Appropriation, Transfers and Adjustments FY23 (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-73 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9c._22-73_general_funds_appropriation_transfers_adjustments_fy23.pdf

d. Resolution 22-74: Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Dept. ($1,550) (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-74 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9d._22-74_gift_acceptance_-_vets_0.pdf

e. Resolution 22-75: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44,  §53F3/4 (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-75 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9e._22-75_peg_comcast.pdf

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

a. Franklin Open Space and Recreation Plan Kickoff Process   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/10a._ta_report_-_dpcd_memo_-_osrp_update_process_summary_-_11032022.pdf

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

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 Public Body

15. ADJOURN

Note:

Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

Full agenda document ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/november_16_town_council_agenda.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council - agenda - Nov 16, 2022

Legislature Passes Bill to Protect Open Spaces

The Massachusetts Legislature on Thursday passed legislation that protects open and public spaces throughout the Commonwealth and ensures their conservation for future generations. This legislation, known as the Public Land Preservation Act, permanently preserves and protects the amount of land designated as open spaces and prevents it from being used for other purposes. 

 

“As we work to mitigate the effects of climate change we see and feel every day, it’s important that we do not allow the quality and acreage of open lands in Massachusetts to decrease,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “Open lands protect against floods, reduce heat from man-made roads and cities, increase carbon capture from plants and soils, protect our clean drinking water, and provide residents with wonderful outdoor recreational opportunities. I want to thank all the conferees, especially Senator DiDomenico for his leadership and Senator Eldridge for his years of attention and perseverance in seeing this legislation passed, as well as Senator Rodrigues for his review and support.” 

  

“I am thrilled that we have reached an agreement on this bill which will protect our public land so our communities can have parks, green spaces, and clean water to enjoy throughout the Commonwealth,” said Senator Sal N. DiDomenico (D-Everett), Chair of the Senate Committee on Bills in the Third Reading. “Protecting our public lands is so critically important in our state because they also help protect our residents from the effects of climate change; our forests keep our air clean, our trees cool down our streets and communities, and our wetlands mitigate the effects of flooding and storms. I am grateful for Senate President Spilka’s dedication to getting this important bill passed, Senator Eldridge and Representative Balser for their years of work on this issue, and all the conference committee members for their help getting this bill over the finish line.” 

 

“I am extremely proud that an agreement has been reached between the House and Senate on the landmark Public Land Preservation Act (PLPA), which will strengthen the state’s commitment to ensuring that there is no net loss of open space in the Commonwealth," said Senator Jamie Eldridge (D-Acton), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on the Judiciary and the bill’s original sponsor. "I'm grateful to Senate President Spilka's commitment to passing this environmental legislation, the work of the conferees, and the persistent advocacy by conservation groups. I also want to acknowledge the godfather of PLPA, Phil Saunders, who dedicated his professional life to passing this bill.” 

 

“With the passage of the Public Lands Preservation Act today, our public lands and open spaces will be preserved and protected for current and future generations to come,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “Thank you to Senate President Spilka for her leadership and thank you to Senator Eldridge, Senator DiDomenico, and others for their leadership on this vital issue as well. Ensuring the preservation of our most important public lands, farms, recreational areas, drinking water supply lands, sensitive wildlife habitats, forests, and other conservation and open space lands is critical in our collective efforts to adapt to and confront climate change, while protecting the public health of our communities, and passage of this legislation is a testament to the Senate’s steadfast commitment to protecting our environment at all costs.” 

  

Since its passage as a ballot initiative in 1972, Article 97 of the Massachusetts Constitution has recognized the importance of public lands. Lands acquired for conservation purposes under Article 97 have protected status, and such lands’ sale or conversion to other use must be approved by a two-thirds vote of each branch of the Legislature. Recognizing the importance of maintaining public lands, the Legislature, working with the Administration, has for many years ensured ‘no net loss’ of open spaces by requiring equivalent replacement land into open space when disposing of Article 97 land.  

 

The conference report passed by the Legislature today codifies a ‘no net loss’ policy into law, making it legally binding. It ensures a public process takes place when a public entity considers disposing of Article 97 land and that replacement land is located nearby and of comparable acreage, fair market value, and natural resource value. The legislation includes a provision that allows for a cash payment in lieu of replacement land, provided that the payment amount is no less than 110 per cent of the value of the land and the money is used to purchase replacement land within three years.  

 

Having passed the Senate and the House of Representatives, the bill now goes before the Governor for his consideration.

Legislature Passes Bill to Protect Open Spaces

DelCarte Fall Gathering scheduled for Saturday, October 22 from 9 AM to noon

Come join us for Fall fun at DelCarte Park in Franklin!

This Saturday, October 22nd from 9 AM - 12 PM join the Franklin Conservation Commission to celebrate the start of Autumn!

There will be fun for the whole family, so don’t miss out!

*Community service hours validated for students and scout groups.

Shared from Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/p/Cj5JIkeNWGZ/

DelCarte Fall Gathering scheduled for Saturday, October 22 from 9 AM to noon

Boston Globe: "A new master plan could help transform Boston Common into a ‘better version’ of itself"

When I worked in Boston, visiting the Boston Common or the Public Garden was something to do as a break during the workday on good weather. A new "Master Plan" has just been revealed to bring about some improvements to the space on the Common. 

All this to lead to holding a place for Franklin's Open Space plan and Mast Plan which both are supposed to begin an update process next year. There will be public meetings, survey's, etc. to craft our own Master Plan for what Franklin should be like in the future. Stay tuned. This will be an important effort to participate in and/or at least be aware of.

"The popular playground on Boston Common, which draws children from across the city and beyond, would nearly triple in size. A revamp of the equally popular Frog Pond would include multiple fountains, while a soccer pitch would be added to the athletic fields. More restrooms, everywhere. And, a place to get a beer or glass of wine.

Those are just a few of the big changes that could be coming over the next decade to the nation’s oldest public park, according to a new master plan for the Common that was released by the city and Friends of the Public Garden on Wednesday.

The grand reimagining calls for both ambitious new projects and more subtle improvements, with a goal of making the Common even more inviting and navigable. So, dog owners would have an enclosed park to let their pets run free. The Parkman Bandstand would have a ramp for people with disabilities. And the athletic fields would welcome soccer and basketball players for the first time."

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

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/10/12/metro/new-master-plan-could-help-transform-boston-common-into-better-version-itself/ 

Boston Common "master plan"  -> https://www.bostoncommonmasterplan.com/

Franklin's current Master Plan ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/masterplan_update_materials.pdf

Open Space & Recreation plan -> https://www.franklinma.gov/planning-community-development/pages/open-space-and-recreation  (the plan details are actually part of the Master Plan doc)

Housing Production Plan ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/franklin_housing_production_plan_-_final_with_approval_ltr.pdf

"A new master plan could help transform Boston Common into a ‘better version’ of itself"

Community Preservation Committee recommends purchase of Schmidt Farm with CPA funds (video)

The Community Preservation Committee meeting was held on Tuesday, Oct 4, 2022. The meeting recording is now available for replay and review from Franklin TV.  Video link -> https://youtu.be/htBcHT9SCp8

The full agenda and docs released for this meeting can be found:  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/10.04.22_cpc_agenda.pdf

My notes captured during the meeting via Twitter can be found in one PDF

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aTK3-U4PeOUqI2qn-KDNUn49s72eh5jg/view?usp=sharing

Note: The Schmidt's Farm presentation document will be posted to the Town pages in advance of the Town Council meeting on Wednesday at 7 PM.  Photos of almost all of the slides shared were captured and can be found in one album.  ->   https://photos.app.goo.gl/At7CqqHSEMYzG3Ah8

Community Preservation Committee recommends purchase of Schmidt Farm with CPA funds (video)

Community Preservation Committee Meeting - Agenda for Oct 4 session includes Schmidt's Farm purchase

Community Preservation Committee Meeting

Agenda & Meeting Packet

October 4, 2022 - 7:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building

2nd Floor, Council Chambers

355 East Central Street

Agenda:

1. Approval of Minutes

a. June 7, 2022

2. Chapter 61, Town’s Right of First Refusal to Purchase Approx. 113 Acres of Land off 215 Prospect Street. Discussion and vote on recommending use of CPA funding for purchase to the Town Council.

3. Community Preservation Master Plan v. 2

a. Request for Appropriation: $50,000 for the Red Brick Schoolhouse

b. Other project updates:

i. Nason Street Tot Lot

ii. Historical Museum Cupola

iii. King Street Memorial Park

iv. Townwide Open Space & Recreational Plan

v. State Matching Fund update

Agenda doc and remote connection info

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/10.04.22_cpc_agenda.pdf 

cupola at the Franklin Historical Museum

Town Council to review and vote on the initial CPA funding plan

Due to lack of a quorum at their scheduled meeting of June 15, the Finance Committee did not get to review the Community Preservation Committee plan and outline for the initial funding proposal coming to the Town Council tonight at 7 PM.

Part of the funding plan is outlined as follows:

Purpose	Amount
Historic Preservation Reserve Town Clerk Vault Records Preservation	$15,000
Historic Preservation Reserve Historical Museum Cupola	70,000
Historic Preservation Reserve Red Brick School House - Exterior Preservation	200,000
Community Housing Reserve Franklin Ridge Affordable Housing Project	320,000
Budgeted Reserve Nason Street Tot Lot	300,000
Total	$905,000

The link to last Community Preservation Committee meeting recording ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/06/community-preservation-committee_02031190524.html

The Town Council action items for the initial CPA funding proposal:

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 22-36: FY23 CPA Budget & Reservations (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-36 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9a.pdf

b. Resolution 22-37: FY23 CPC Appropriation of Capital Funds (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-37 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9b.pdf

c. Resolution 22-38: CPC Appropriation of Funds - Debt Service Maple Hill Land (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-38 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9c.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council - agenda - June 22, 2022

Community Preservation Committee approves plan for first authorization of CPA funds

FM #813 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 813 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Community Preservation Committee meeting held in hybrid format on Tuesday, June 7, 2022. 

• Chair/membership: C Feeley, D McNeill (remote), M Doyle, J Livingstone, P Malcolm, M Giardino, W Simarian, L Oxford [R Power, absent]
• Town Administration: J Hellen, A Alleyne, K Bertone   

The meeting approved the minutes of the prior meeting via roll call vote (8-0-1; 8 for, 0 against, 1 absent). 

With some discussion on the overall plan, the committee then voted on each of the resolutions which passed with the same 8-0-1 vote via roll call.

a. Resolution 22-36: FY23 CPA Reservations (Budget) $1,887,000

b. Resolution 22-37: FY23 CPC Appropriation of Capital Funds (Project Recommendations) - $905,000

c. Resolution 33-38: CPC Appropriation of Funds - Debt Service Maple Hill Land - $271,489

There may not be a need to meet until September or later. With the new fiscal year, and the rolling project form, someone could propose something at any time. Once they did, it would be scheduled for a meeting.

The recording runs about 26 minutes, so let’s listen to the Community Preservation Committee discussion on June 7, 2022.

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-813-community-preservation-cmte-mtg-06-07-22

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

Meeting agenda =>    https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/06-07-2022_cpc_packet.pdf 

CPC Plan -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/2022_cpa_plan_v.2_3.pdf 

My notes -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1koc2S9_y8Ksz_Q5M9K0A1zvTi4VGTAfg/view?usp=sharing 

Purpose	Amount
Historic Preservation Reserve Town Clerk Vault Records Preservation	15,000
Historic Preservation Reserve Historical Museum Cupola	70,000
Historic Preservation Reserve Red Brick School House - Exterior Preservation	200,000
Community Housing Reserve Franklin Ridge Affordable Housing Project	320,000
Budgeted Reserve Nason Street Tot Lot	300,000
Total	905,000

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

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

 

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

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

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

I hope you enjoy!

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

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

Community Preservation Committee approves plan for first authorization of CPA funds

Community Preservation Committee Meeting - June 7 = 7 PM

Community Preservation Committee Meeting

Agenda & Meeting Packet

June 7, 2022 = 7:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building

2nd Floor, Council Chambers

Agenda:

1. Approval of Minutes

a. April 5, 2022

2. Community Preservation Master Plan v. 2

a. Resolution 22-36: FY23 CPA Reservations (Budget)

b. Resolution 22-37: FY23 CPC Appropriation of Capital Funds (Project Recommendations)

c. Resolution 33-38: CPC Appropriation of Funds - Debt Service Maple Hill Land

Purpose	Amount
Historic Preservation Reserve Town Clerk Vault Records Preservation	15,000
Historic Preservation Reserve Historical Museum Cupola	70,000
Historic Preservation Reserve Red Brick School House - Exterior Preservation	200,000
Community Housing Reserve Franklin Ridge Affordable Housing Project	320,000
Budgeted Reserve Nason Street Tot Lot	300,000
Total	905,000

Agenda doc contains remote participation information ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/06-07-2022_cpc_meeting_agenda.pdf 

Community Preservation Committee Meeting - June 7 = 7 PM

Reminder: Community Preservation Committee - scheduled to review draft of initial project list

Community Preservation Committee 
Meeting April 5, 2022 - 7 PM

Agenda:
1. Approval of Minutes

a. January 4, 2022

b. January 18, 2022

2. Discussion: Community Preservation Master Plan Sketch Draft v. 1

Please find the agenda and links for the meeting here:     https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2022-06-05_cpc_meeting_agenda.pdf

From the proposed Fiscal Year 2023 Project Recommendations (beginning page 18)

Open Space

Maple Hill purchase

Historic Preservation
Red Brick School House - Lead Paint Removal, Preservation and Paint

Affordable Housing
Franklin Ridge Affordable Housing Project

Budgeted Reserve

Town Clerk Vault Records Preservation 
Historical Museum Cupola
Nason Street Tot Lot

pickleball courts at King St Memorial Park

Community Preservation Committee Meeting April 5, 2022

Community Preservation Committee 
Meeting April 5, 2022

Agenda:
1. Approval of Minutes

a. January 4, 2022

b. January 18, 2022

2. Discussion: Community Preservation Master Plan Sketch Draft v. 1

Please find the agenda and links for the meeting here:     https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2022-06-05_cpc_meeting_agenda.pdf

pickleball courts at King St Memorial Park

Conversation on the Community Preservation Public Hearings - Jan 4/Jan 18 (audio)

FM #685 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 685 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with three members of the Franklin, MA Community Preservation Committee. We recorded this via the Zoom conference bridge Dec 20, 2021.  

We talk about the public hearings scheduled for Jan 4 and Jan 18, 2022. The two public hearings will start the process for the Committee to build the project listing and possible allocation of the Community Preservation Act funds that will be available in Nov/Dec 2022. We don’t need to spend the money all at once but these public hearings start the process on how we should spend the money.

The recording runs about 23 minutes, so let’s listen to this discussion of Franklin’s Community Preservation Act funding process just getting started.

Audio file => https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-685-community-preservation-cmte-discussion-12-20-21

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The committee legal notice can be found ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2021-12-20_cpc_legal_ad_.pdf

The public hearing dates are:

1. January 4, 2022 at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers in the Municipal Building at 355 East Central Street  Agenda = https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2022-01-04_cpc_agenda_-_hearing_1.pdf

2. January 18, 2022 at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers in the Municipal Building at 355 East Central Street   Agenda =   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2022-01-18_cpc_agenda_-_hearing_2.pdf

The Online application can be found at this link https://franklinma.viewpointcloud.com/categories/1097

Additional information regarding the CPC & CPA can be found at the following links:

1.  Community Preservation Coalition -> https://www.communitypreservation.org/about

2.  MA State Legislator - Community Preservation ->   https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleVII/Chapter44B

3.  Secretary of State Page - Accepting the CPA ->   https://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/elecpa/cpaidx.htm

Please bookmark the Franklin CPC website: https://www.franklinma.gov/community-preservation-committee

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

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

 

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

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

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

I hope you enjoy!

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

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

Conversation on the Community Preservation Public Hearings - Jan 4/Jan 18 (audio)