Town Council Quarterbacking condenses the meeting to what it means for Franklin residents & taxpayers (audio)

FM #980 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 980 in the series. 

This shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer in our Town Council Quarterbacking session. This is one of the series of conversations meant to provide a recap of the prior night’s Town 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 of Apr 26, 2023: 

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following key topics

2 license transactions

• Transfer of Section 15 Wine and Malt Beverages Package Store License and Approval of Parth Patel as the Manager - Marlboro Food, Inc. d/b/a 7-Eleven, Located at 664 Union St.   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/7a._1_license_transaction_-_7-eleven_transfer_of_section_15.pdf 

• Robert Vozzella / La Cantina Winery - Farmer-Winery, Farmer’s Market License    https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/7b._license_transaction_-_la_cantina.pdf 

1 piece of legislation

• Resolution 23-28: Town Council Approval of County ARPA Funds  (Motion to Approve Resolution 23-28 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9a._23-28_arpa_700k.pdf 

PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Discussion: Open Space & Recreation Plan Update - Breeka Li Goodlander, Conservation Agent and Natural Resources Manager  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8a._1_-_memo_-_osrp_presentation_.pdf 

b. Discussion: Display of Flags on Town Flagpoles or Property     https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8b._flags_0.pdf 

Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents released for this meeting are included in the show notes. 

Our conversation runs about 32 minutes. Let’s listen to the Town Council Quarterbacking session recorded Apr 27, 2023

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-980-town-council-quarterbacking-04-27-23

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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_26_2023_0.pdf 

My notes in one PDF file -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1a-fQYmqnEnma1RPjufiBjVjft3nJ5-GW/view?usp=share_link 

Franklin TV meeting video ->  https://www.youtube.com/live/VTsQ6p7Pc_w?feature=share 

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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!

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

Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for April 26, 2023 meeting

The 2023 Open Space and Recreation Plan Survey is CLOSING APRIL 30, please respond (if you haven't already!)

We want to hear from you! All residents are encouraged to participate in this survey (https://forms.gle/whPQQSKsE2drM2z78) to help shape the future of natural resources, open space, and recreation in Franklin. The survey may only take 10 minutes, but has the ability to stand the test of time. 

So what are you waiting for? If you haven't yet taken the survey, the time is now. 

If you have taken the survey already - we thank you! Please continue to share the survey with your friends and family. Community builds unity and now is the time to be heard. 

The 2023 Open Space and Recreation Plan Survey closes this Sunday, April 30.

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/news/2023-open-space-and-recreation-plan-survey-closing-april-30

The 2023 Open Space and Recreation Plan Survey is CLOSING APRIL 30, please respond (if you haven't already!)

Open Space and Recreation Plan public hearing - 04/25/23 (#2 in series of 3 hearings) (video)

Instead of the School Committee meeting, Franklinites could have participated in the second public hearing scheduled for the Open Space and Recreation Plan on Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at the Senior Center.  If you missed the meeting, the video replay is available here thanks to Franklin TV

Video link ->  https://www.youtube.com/live/MFMkGHXoj64?feature=share

Agenda & info for this 2nd of three public hearings ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/news/2023-open-space-and-recreation-plan-second-public-hearing-tonight

Additional info on the Open Space and Recreation Plan can be found on their main page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/pages/2023-open-space-and-recreation-plan-update

2023 OSRP Focus Group Meeting - Forests, Trees, Green Space, and other Conservation Lands - Thursday April 20

2023 OSRP Focus Group Meeting - Forests, Trees, Green Space, and other Conservation Lands - Thursday April 20

The Conservation Commission will hold its Seventh Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP) focus group meeting this Thursday, April 20 from 6 - 7 PM in Town Hall Council Chambers.

This meeting will also be available via Zoom. Zoom login information can be found here. In case you'll miss the Thursday meeting or would like further discussion, you are also invited to attend OSRP Office Hours Friday, April 21 between 10 and 11 am in the third floor training room (Room 326A) at Town Hall or via Zoom. 

Bring your ideas and see you there! 

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/news/2023-osrp-focus-group-meeting-forests-trees-green-space-and-other-conservation

2023 OSRP Focus Group Meeting - Forests, Trees, Green Space, and other Conservation Lands - Thursday April 20

Open Space and Recreation Plan - Senior Center Workshop - Weds, April 19 at 10:30 AM

Open Space and Recreation Plan - Senior Center Workshop

Wednesday, April 19, 2023 from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM at the Senior Center Library

Open Space and Recreation Plan - Senior Center Workshop - Weds, April 19 at 10:30 AM

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/news/open-space-and-recreation-plan-senior-center-workshop

2023 Open Space and Recreation Plan Second Public Hearing TUESDAY APRIL 25

2023 Open Space and Recreation Plan Second Public Hearing TUESDAY APRIL 25

The second Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP) public hearing is Tuesday, April 25, from 6-8p in the Multi-Purpose Room of the Franklin Senior Center (10 Daniel McCahill Street). Residents are encouraged to attend to hear a presentation of the 2023 OSRP goals and objectives based on resident input from the first public hearing and other outreach mechanisms. 

An Agenda for the public hearing can be found here.  

Due to the concerns regarding the COVID-19 virus, this Open Space and Recreation Plan Public Hearing is available to be attended in person and via the ZOOM platform. In an effort to ensure citizen engagement, citizens will be able to dial into the meeting using the provided phone number (Cell phone or Landline Required) OR citizens can participate by copying the link (Phone, Computer, or Tablet required). 

Please click/copy and paste the link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87216848860 or call on your phone at 929-205-6099, meeting number is 872 1684 8860. If you are having trouble accessing through the link, please call on your phone and use *6 to toggle between mute/unmute and *9 to raise your hand. The public hearing can also be accessed remotely on Franklin TV All-Access channel (Channel 8 Comcast/Channel 26 Verizon). 

For residents that do not have cable, the public hearings can be accessed live on the Franklin TV All-Access YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@franklinmaall-accesstv7535.

Can't wait to see you there!

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/news/2023-open-space-and-recreation-plan-second-public-hearing-tuesday-april-25

2023 Open Space and Recreation Plan Second Public Hearing TUESDAY APRIL 25

Town of Franklin, MA extends deadline for responses to the Open Space & Recreation Plan survey to April 30. Don't wait, respond now!

Haven't submitted your feedback for the Open Space and Recreation Plan yet? You're in luck! 

The deadline for the citizen has been extended until April 30th! 

Access the survey here: https://t.co/mSmjlHfRgG

Shared from Twitter -> https://t.co/5p3D6gIKCH

Town of Franklin, MA extends deadline for responses to the Open Space & Recreation Plan survey to April 30. Don't wait, respond now!

Town of Franklin - DelCarte Conservation Area and Beaver Pond - 2023 OSRP Update

2023 OSRP Update

This email is a reminder that the OSRP focus group meeting for the DelCarte Conservation Area and Beaver Pond is tomorrow, Thursday, April 6 at 6 PM in Council Chambers at Town Hall, on Zoom, and FranklinTV. Can't make it tomorrow? No worries! We will also be hosting OSRP office hours on Friday, April 7 at 10a in Room 326A to recap what was discussed at tomorrow's meeting. 

Looking toward the horizon, the next focus group meeting is on Forests, Trees, Greenspace, and Other Conservation Lands. 

DelCarte Conservation Area and Beaver Pond - 2023 OSRP Update

We look forward to seeing you tomorrow and, as always, don't forget to take and share this OSRP survey - now available until April 30!

Until next time,

Breeka LÍ Goodlander, CWS, PWS, CERPIT

Conservation Agent/Natural Resource Protection Manager

Town of Franklin

Office: 508.520.4929

bgoodlander@franklinma.gov

2023 OSRP Focus Group Meeting - DelCarte and Beaver Pond - Thursday, April 6

2023 OSRP Focus Group Meeting - DelCarte and Beaver Pond - Thursday April 6

The Conservation Commission will hold its Seventh Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP) focus group meeting this Thursday, April 6 from 6-7p in Town Hall Council Chambers. This meeting will also be available via Zoom. Zoom login information can be found here. In case you'll miss the Thursday meeting or would like further discussion, you are also invited to attend OSRP Office Hours Friday, April 7 between 10 and 11am in the third floor training room (Room 326A) at Town Hall or via Zoom. Bring your ideas and see you there! 

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/news/2023-osrp-focus-group-meeting-delcarte-and-beaver-pond-thursday-april-6

DelCarte Recreation

2023 OSRP Focus Group Meeting - Maple Hill - Wednesday, March 22

2023 OSRP Focus Group Meeting - Maple Hill - Wednesday March 22

The Conservation Commission will hold its sixth Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP) focus group meeting this Wednesday, March 22 from 6-7 PM in the Third Floor Training Room (Room 326A) of the Town Hall. 

This meeting will also be available via Zoom. Zoom login information can be found here. In case you'll miss the Wednesday meeting or would like further discussion, you are also invited to attend OSRP Office Hours Friday, March 24 between 10 and 11 AM in the third floor training room (Room 326A) at Town Hall or via Zoom. 

Bring your ideas and see you there! 

Read more

2023 OSRP Focus Group Meeting - Maple Hill - Wednesday, March 22

DATE AND LOCATION CHANGE - Maple Hill Open Space and Recreation Focus Group Meeting - March 22

DATE AND LOCATION CHANGE - Maple Hill Open Space and Recreation Focus Group Meeting

New Date and Location: Wednesday, March 22, 2023 at 6 PM in Room 326A at Town Hall

The Maple Hill Open Space and Recreation Plan focus group meeting will now be held on Wednesday, March 22, 2023 at 6 PM in Room 326A at Town Hall. 

Please join the Conservation Commission on the third floor and brainstorm ideas for the Maple Hill Conservation Area prior to the Master Plan process. 

See you there!

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/news/date-and-location-change-maple-hill-open-space-and-recreation-focus-group-meeting

Was previously scheduled for Thursday, Mar 23, NOW scheduled for Wednesday Mar 22

DATE AND LOCATION CHANGE - Maple Hill Open Space and Recreation Focus Group Meeting - March 22

2023 OSRP Focus Group Meeting - Riverbend Conservation Area - Mar 9 at 6 PM

2023 OSRP Focus Group Meeting - Riverbend Conservation Area

The Conservation Commission will hold its fifth Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP) focus group meeting this Thursday, March 9 from 6-7 PM in Town Hall Council Chambers. 

This meeting will also be available via Zoom. Zoom login information can be found here. 

In case you'll miss the Thursday meeting or would like further discussion, you are also invited to attend OSRP Office Hours Friday, March 10 between 10 and 11 AM in the third floor training room (Room 326A) at Town Hall or via Zoom. 

Bring your ideas and see you there! 

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/news/2023-osrp-focus-group-meeting-riverbend-conservation-area-thursday-march-9

2023 OSRP Focus Group Meeting - Riverbend Conservation Area - Mar 9 at 6 PM

Jamie and I review the 40b info, Open space public hearing, committee applications close March 3, and more (audio)

FM #951 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 951 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen. We had our conversation via conference bridge on Thursday, February 23, 2023.  

Topics for this session

Economic Development Subcmte

• 40b ‘deep dive’

• Friendly 40b preview of 121 Grove St

Master Plan preparations

• Open Space public hearing, focus groups underway

• A&C listening sessions scheduled

• Applications still open until March 3 (also Davis Thayer, Police Station, et al)

Town Council preview Mar 1 meeting

Gov Healey’s budget release 3/1

The conversation runs about 36 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie. Audio file -> https://anchor.fm/letstalkfranklin/episodes/Foundation-for-Franklins-Future---Master-Planning-e1vkvbb/a-a9djoda

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Town Council agenda for 3/1/23

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/march_1_2023_tc_agenda.pdf

Economic Development Subcommittee meeting (recap & links)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/02/economic-development-subcmte-took-deep.html 

Open Space & Recreation Public Hearing #1 (recap & links)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/02/watch-or-listen-to-open-space.html 

Town Administrator page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator

Talk Franklin podcast page -> https://anchor.fm/letstalkfranklin 

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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"

Jamie and I review the 40b info, Open space public hearing, committee applications close March 3, and more (audio)

Schmidt's Farm Open Space and Recreation Plan Meeting Recording

Schmidt's Farm Open Space and Recreation Plan Meeting Recording

In case you missed it, the Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP) Schmidt's Farm meeting was last Thursday, February 23, 2023 and can be viewed here or by copying/pasting the link https://www.youtube.com/live/l7c7wy_RT1Q?feature=share into your web browser. 

The Franklin Conservation Commission will be receiving public comment for Schmidt's Farm until the end of the OSRP process - around mid-August. Public comments can be submitted via this Google Form (copying/pasting https://forms.gle/UTSrtG9VgeBNdhbi6 into your web browser), by emailing bgoodlander@franklinma.gov, or by filling out this contact webform. 

https://forms.gle/isJqEyuaih4ePPDV6

Please see the QR code to the right to take the OSRP survey or visit https://forms.gle/isJqEyuaih4ePPDV6.   

Shared from ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/news/schmidts-farm-open-space-and-recreation-plan-meeting-recording 

Town of Franklin: Focus group on Schmidt's Farm for the 2023 OSRP Update

Town of Franklin: Focus group on Schmidt's Farm for the  2023 OSRP Update

We're scheduled for another OSRP focus group meeting - this time about the recently purchased Schmidt's Farm!

As a brief recap, the FCC held the first OSRP public hearing last night, February 21, at Town Hall. Participating residents were able to learn about the OSRP, its process, benefits, and how to get involved. In case you missed the meeting, a recording can be found here. The FCC also held a focus group meeting held on February 9 - School Recreation Facilities and Parks (ADA Compliance Included) - which can be found here. Feel free to watch these recordings at your convenience and provide any comments or questions via this Google form.

I'll keep the rest of this email brief! The next focus group meeting is on Schmidt's Farm tomorrow February 23 from 6-7 PM  in Council Chambers at Town Hall. We know this is a big ticket item for the community so start brainstorming ideas now. In the interim, please feel free to utilize this OSRP map to become familiar with Schmidt's Farm digitally or review the below screenshot. Town property, including Schmidt's Farm, is shown in gray. 

Schmidt's Farm

Come learn about the history of Schmidt Farm, its potential, and provide input on what you would like to see - the sky's the limit for your ideas! 

Other information on the Open Space & Recreation Plan Update ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/pages/2023-open-space-and-recreation-plan-update

2023 OSRP Focus Group Meeting - Schmidt Farm - Thursday February 23

2023 OSRP Focus Group Meeting - Schmidt Farm - Thursday February 23

The Conservation Commission will hold its fourth Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP) focus group meeting this Thursday, February 23 from 6-7p in Town Hall Council Chambers. 

This meeting will also be available via Zoom. Zoom login information can be found here. 

In case you'll miss the Thursday meeting or would like further discussion, you are also invited to attend OSRP Office Hours Friday, February 24 between 10 and 11am in the third floor training room (Room 326A) at Town Hall or via Zoom. 

Bring your ideas and see you there! 

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/news/2023-osrp-focus-group-meeting-schmidt-farm-thursday-february-23

2023 OSRP Focus Group Meeting - Schmidt Farm - Thursday February 23

Watch or listen to the Open Space & Recreation Plan - Public Hearing #1 - 02/21/23 (audio & video)

The Open Space Recreation Plan Public Hearing #1 Agenda was updated on Tuesday to more clearly outline the discussion for the session Feb 21, 2023.

There was public participation in person at the Council Chambers and online in the Zoom session.

Quick recap:

• Member of a mountain biking group looking to help in ways they can
• Bleachers have wide spaces at the top that could allow a small child to slip through
• Suggestion on signage to remind folks (i.e. drivers) to share the road with bikers
• Discussion on kayak access for the Charles, there is access at Beaver Pond, may also eventually be at DelCarte, also evaluation of a kiosk to help with rental of kayaks
• Comment on citizen awareness of open space, AgCom (Agriculture Commission) also working on that awareness,; the amount of salt in the water supply is increasing, we need to look at that...
• from Mark (last name?), thanks for whomever did successfully make the open space purchases
• A question to be addressed is how to balance maintaining the forest area at Maple Hill and yet provide access to the trail network there in a minimalist manner
• ADA self assessment being planned for all Town and School facilities
• Rec Dept had reached out to scouting groups pre-COVID to see if some trail maintenance could be organized, would like to bring that back to the forefront!
• Remember to respond to the survey, approx. 250+ so far
• Next public hearing scheduled for Apr 25 will review objectives for the plan draft

The presentation copy shared during the meeting ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/osrp_public_hearing_1_-_presentation_pdf.pdf

The video of the public hearing can be found ->  https://youtu.be/nTt6r_Ix0yM

The audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-948-osrp-public-hearing-1-02-21-23

My notes captured via Twitter and found in one PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/14Z-VKfzLXdjXSeYp5OQUJhhv6eQZtMhR/view?usp=share_link

Watch or listen to the Open Space & Recreation Plan - Public Hearing #1 - 02/21/23 (audio & video)