This Town Council "Quarterbacking" session condenses the 11/30/22 meeting to about 28 minutes (audio)

FM #891 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 891 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 of Nov 30, 2022: 

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following key topics

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Presentation: Elks Riders Donation to Veterans’ Services Department

6. HEARINGS - 7:00 pm

a. Franklin Tax Classification Hearing

b. Resolution 22-77: Tax Classification Residential Factor

c. Resolution 22-78: Tax Classification Open Space Exemption

d. Resolution 22-79: Tax Classification Small Business Exemption

e. Resolution 22-80: Tax Classification Residential Property Exemption

f. Resolution 22-81: Tax Classification Senior Means Tested Exemption

g. Resolution 22-82: Declaration of Town-owned Property Containing “South Franklin Congregational Meeting House” Located at 762 Washington Street as Surplus and Authorization for Disposition (Sale) to Old Colony Habitat for Humanity

h. Resolution 22-83: Downtown Parking Lot Kiosks Authorization  

i. Resolution 22-84: 2023 Town Council Meeting Schedule

k. Resolution 22-85: Public Property Naming & Memorial Installation Policy

Our conversation runs about 28 minutes:

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

Let’s listen to this session of Town Council Quarterbacking recorded Dec 1, 2022

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-891-town-council-quarterbacking-12-01-22

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

Meeting agenda and documents released for this session ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/nov_30_town_council_agenda.pdf

Watch the Franklin.TV video replay on YouTube -> https://youtu.be/FXWkMcix63s

My notes in one threaded PDF document

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uTxaQe3MXLug8od6xq5C_bqLzbDLoEjY/view?usp=share_link 

My 4 key tax rate charts as discussed in this session

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/11/good-news-tax-rate-is-going-down.html

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

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

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

How can you help?

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

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

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

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ 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 your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

South Franklin Congregational Meeting House

Town Council accepts Elk Riders donation, sets tax rate, approves sale of South Meeting House and more (audio)

FM #890 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 890 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town Council meeting held in Council Chambers on Wednesday, November 30, 2022. 7 members of the Council were present in the Council Chambers, one member remote (Pellegri) and one member absent (Dellorco), hence all votes were via roll call.

Quick summary of meeting:

• Accepted donation from Elks Riders for the Veterans Services and Veterans Fund

• Held the Tax Classification Public Hearing prior to approving the single rate at 12.58%. Overall residential assessments rose approx 17% resulting in the drop of the rate from 14.05 to 12.58. There were a series of votes to complete the formal process to set the rate for this Fiscal Year 2023

• Approval to sell the Old South Meeting House to the Habitat for Humanity to convert to a single family affordable housing was granted by the Town Council to allow the Town Administrator to complete the paperwork and actions for the transaction

• Formal approval to purchase the new kiosks to be used in the town parking lots to implement the parking bylaw changes approved in the prior meetings was granted

• The Town Council approved as amended the calendar year 2023 meeting schedule. The one change was from Apr 9 to Apr 26. The document also included the Finance Committee and Community Preservation Committee proposed meeting schedules for reference. Those groups need to respectfully approve their own schedule

• The policy to formally call out the process and approvals required for naming any public property was approved. It had been referenced many times that such a policy existed but when it was looked for it could not be found, hence this is now in place.  

The recording runs about 1 hour and 50 minutes, so let’s listen to the Town Council meeting on November 30, 2022.

Audio file ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-890-town-council-mtg-11-30-22

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

Meeting agenda and documents released for this session ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/nov_30_town_council_agenda.pdf

Watch the Franklin.TV video replay on YouTube -> https://youtu.be/FXWkMcix63s

My notes in one threaded PDF document (one correction, on the vote for the single tax rate my notes said the no vote was cast by Chandler when it was really Sheridan. Twitter doesn’t allow for editing tweets hence this note of acknowledgment.)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uTxaQe3MXLug8od6xq5C_bqLzbDLoEjY/view?usp=share_link 

My 4 key tax rate charts as discussed in this session

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/11/good-news-tax-rate-is-going-down.html

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

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

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

 

How can you help?

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

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

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

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ 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"

Members of the Elks Riders presented a donation to the Veterans Fund

Town Council Quarterbacking with Tom Mercer gets inside the last meeting for you (audio)

FM #874 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 874 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 of Nov 2, 2022: 

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following key topics

Election Of Officers

License Transactions

o   3 change of manager

o   Big Y change of manager

o   license transfer from Franklin Village Liquors to Big Y for all alcohol

National Register Historic Districts In Franklin (rescheduled)

Lead Service Line Inventory

Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Dept. ($1,845), Fire Dept. ($486

Parking

Our conversation runs about 28 minutes:

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

Let’s listen to this session of Town Council Quarterbacking recorded Nov 3, 2022

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-874-town-council-quarterbacking-with-tom-mercer-11-03-22

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

The agenda and documents for this session can be found -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/november_2_town_council_meeting.pdf

Watch the Franklin.TV video replay on YouTube -> https://youtu.be/CqUQ6OxjMj4

My notes in one threaded PDF document

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JQqjOe3j5PayvvfeB5hnvURBbrcPfUUN/view?usp=share_link

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

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 your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Nov 2, 2022

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Nov 2, 2022

1. ELECTION OF OFFICERS – Town Council Chair, Vice-Chair & Clerk

2. 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.

c. Franklin Police Department Accreditation

3. 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.

4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - None Scheduled.

5. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS - None Scheduled.

6. APPOINTMENTS

a. Cultural Council - Swati Rao

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/6a._appointment_swati_rao_fcc.pdf

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

8. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

a. License Modification - Change of Manager: Let’s Eat Franklin, LLC d/b/a 3 Restaurant, Located at 461 West Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8a._3_rest.pdf

b. License Modification - Change of Manager: Table & Vine, Inc., Located at 348 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8b._table_and_vine_mgr_change.pdf 

c. Transfer of License & Change of Location: Table & Vine, Inc., Located at 348 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8c._table_and_vine_license_transfer.pdf

9. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. National Register Historic Districts in Franklin - Vicki Earls, Franklin Public Library

10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 22-69: Authorizing the Borrowing of Money to Pay Costs Associated with the Creation of the Lead Service Line Inventory and Replacement Plan and Authorizing the Town Administrator to File State Revolving Fund Loan Application and to Take Other Action as Needed (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-69 - Two-Thirds Majority Vote)

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9a._22-69_lsl_dwsrf.pdf

b. Resolution 22-70: Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Dept. ($1,845), Fire Dept. ($486)  (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-70 - Majority Vote)

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9f._22-70_gift_acceptance_-_fd_480_vets_1845.pdf

c. Bylaw Amendment 22-884, as Amended: Chapter 170, Vehicles and Traffic, Article IV, Stopping, Standing and Parking, §170-15 Parking Prohibitions and Limitations, D. Parking Prohibited, Downtown Parking Map - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 22-884, as Amended - Majority Roll Call Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9c._22-884_parking_map.pdf

d. Bylaw Amendment 22-885: Chapter 170, Vehicles and Traffic, §170-20, Additional regulations; violations and penalties. - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 22-885 - Majority Roll Call Vote)

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9d._-_bylaw_amendment_22-885_amendment_chapter_170_ta_auth_to_set_fees.pdf

e. Bylaw Amendment 22-886: Chapter 82, Fees, Municipal Service, § 82-6, Subsection K. Police - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 22-886 - Majority Roll Call Vote)

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9e._-_bylaw_amendment_22-886_amendment_chapter_82_municipal_service_fees_striking_quarterly_fees.pdf

f. Bylaw Amendment 22-879: Chapter 170, Vehicles and Traffic, Appendix A, Fines, Parking Violations - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 22-879 - Majority Roll Call Vote)

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9f._bylaw_amendment_22-879.pdf

11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

12. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Capital Budget Subcommittee

b. Economic Development Subcommittee

c. Budget Subcommittee

d. GATRA Advisory Board

13. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

14. COUNCIL COMMENTS

15. EXECUTIVE SESSION - None Scheduled.

16. ADJOURN

Note:

Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/november_2_town_council_meeting.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Nov 2, 2022

Talk Franklin with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen discusses parking, municipal aggregation, Schmidt's Farm and more (audio)

FM #864 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 864 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.  

Topics for this session

• Municipal aggregation 

• Right of First Refusal – Schmidt’s Farm purchase recommended by CPC and public hearing held by Town Council;  CPA funding key

• Downtown parking bylaws pending 2nd reading (Nov 2 meeting)

• Dean student parking issues (Chancellor Augustus) did hold first neighborhood alliance meeting

• Election, vote by mail ballots being sent by Town Clerk’s office

The conversation runs about 34 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie

Audio file -> https://anchor.fm/letstalkfranklin/episodes/Schmidts-Farm--Downtown-Parking-and-Election-Information-e1phind/a-a8njdi0

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

Municipal aggregation information

https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator/pages/municipal-aggregation 

Town Council meeting video ->  https://youtu.be/N6qHB7PJMq8

Town Council meeting audio -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/10/franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-100522.html 

Election collection for Nov 8, 2022 -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/10/election-collection-2022-state-election.html 

Community & Cultural District calendar https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html 

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

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

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

How can you help?

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

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

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

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ 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"

Talk Franklin with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen discusses parking

Town Council Quarterbacking with Council Chair Tom Mercer - Recap of the Oct 5, 2022 meeting (audio)

FM #863 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 863 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 of Oct 5, 2022: 

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following key topics

Right of first refusal – Schmidt’s Farm

Norfolk County Commission Update

Special liquor license for Dacey’s Market

4 bylaws for parking changes downtown

How to address habitual offenders for Dean parking/Neighborhood Alliance

Gift acceptance to Police/Fire

Our conversation runs about 30 minutes:

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

Let’s listen to this session of Town Council Quarterbacking recorded Oct 13, 2022

Audio file ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-864-town-council-quarterbacking-10-13-22

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

Agenda and documents released for this meeting

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/10.05.22_town_council_agenda.pdf

My notes -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LS8OhA3BKWQuqto4tv82cb4YmvRRz5Dk/view?usp=sharing

 

The meeting video is also available for viewing on YouTube   https://youtu.be/N6qHB7PJMq8

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

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 your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

 

The Town Council held a public hearing on the right of first refusal to purchase the Schmidt Farm property with CPA funding