Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - April 14, 2021

 
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 Council Members participating remotely

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
- None Scheduled

4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
Diane Daddario, MD

5. APPOINTMENTS
- None Scheduled

6. HEARINGS - 7:10pm
- None Scheduled

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
Shaw’s Supermarkets, Inc. d/b/a Shaw’s, Change of Manager, 255 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
a. Norfolk County Sheriff Patrick W. McDermott
b. Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) Actuarial Update - Dan Sherman
c. GATRA - Mark Sousa, Executive Director
d. Downtown Commercial Zoning District & Commercial Zoning District 1 Parking requirements

9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
b. Budget Subcommittee
c. Economic Development Subcommittee

10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
a. Resolution 21-22: Authorization for Intermunicipal Agreement with the Town of Foxborough for the Town of Foxborough to Provide Emergency Motor Vehicle Technician Services (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-22 - Majority Roll Call Vote)

11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT
COVID-19

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

The meeting packet for the Council meeting

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/april-14-town-council-agenda

The one PDF with all released docs and connection info

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/4-14-2021_town_council_agenda_-_web.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - April 14, 2021

FM #481 - Town Council "Quarterbacking" - 03/04/21 (audio)

FM #481 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 481 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/72e1df51-f768-44c7-8b98-b768880320ad

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Agenda document (and released supporting materials in one PDF) 
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/march-3-town-council-agenda  

My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/03/recap-of-town-council-meeting-mar-3.html 

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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!

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

FM #481 - Town Council "Quarterbacking" - 03/04/21 (audio)

Recap of Town Council meeting Mar 3, 2021 - train station discussed, appt to ConComm approved, ambulance fees approved

Quick Recap:

• appointment to Conservation Commission approved, all committees/board now with full compliment of appointments
• Erin Rogers of Senior Center talks about the tax work off programs available from the State and from Franklin
• discussion on the condition and future of the downtown MBTA train station and exercise in futility. parking an issue downtown, apparently due to zoning changes made that can be/should be reviewed again
• vaccine not available for local clinic per State, teachers were added to eligibility as of Mar 11, 2021

Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one album  https://photos.app.goo.gl/gN3Z5Y2wUxdXqBNa6

----
As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.

The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #TC0303

https://twitter.com/search?q=%23tc0303&src=recent_search_click 

• Real time reporting about to begin for Town Council meeting #tc0303 https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/march-3-town-council-agenda 
• Meeting opens, Chair runs thru the standard protocol statement on meeting conduct #edc0303 a small group at opening.
• #edc0303 meeting is announced for phone callers  One (member) remote, other 8 in Chambers
• #tc0303 (yup, 2nd time tonight used prior meeting to tag a tweet, oops) no citizen comments
• Motion to approve Jan 3 minutes, second, Chandler announces that the minutes are in great order, compliments to Judy L for doing them. Passes 9-0 via roll call. Motion on Feb 17 minutes
• Second, passes via roll call 9-0, #edc0303 appointment to conservation commission, Bissanti recuses, motion and second, after tonight, all vacancies are now full. Passes 8-0-1 1 recused (Bissanti)
• No hearings, no license transactions; moving to presentations, Erin Rogers from Senior Center on the tax work off program, if taxes are more than 10% of income, if renter and taxes more than 25% of income. Need to file with state, meet income guidelines. #tc0303
• #tc0303 anything we can do to help residents with their taxes, talk to their accountants and to the senior center for the form. If people qualify for this, they should also apply for the DPW for a credit against the water, sewer, etc. Storm water if it comes, may would need to
• Suggestion for something on the webpage for assistance available. #tc0303 clarification, you can do both it is not double dipping. State program is one and there is also the Franklin program.
• Other than web page, send elsewhere (i.e. newsletter) as some seniors don't go to the website. #tc0303 legal ads we spend 40K annually with Milford Daily News, also appearing as PSA with Franklin TV. http://Ma.gov webpage takes you right to DOR page and info
• #TC0303 moving to downtown Franklin MBTA station and parking lot. Was on evaluation and goals, a paper trail was included in the meeting docs. Kudos to Frank Falvey who has been a persistent advocate for addressing this item see page 17 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/3-3-21_town_council_agenda.pdf 
• Maps of the station from package  #tc0303
• Continuing discussion on the station, a frustrating situation. This is a T issue and with pandemic they are in lots of trouble with revenue. #tc0303
• They are extending the line double track and going around the station. Also would need to take care of the bridge
• If you're in for a penny, you're in for more than a pound. #tc0303 we offered to but it from them, and they turned us down. Zoning changes recently increased parking requirements downtown and there is no space available. "This like beating a dead horse"
• #tc0303 lighting is brutal, and the bike racks are always full, can't they add some?
• Best opportunity may be the transit oriented development the Legislation that was recently passed called for.
• Let's think of the downtown and consider changing the zoning when the guidance Jamie mentions comes out. #tc0303 
• Budget meeting 3/17 at 6 PM, EDC just met tonight. Some things coming to council for consideration. Draft of business guide reviewed. Coming soon
• Moving to legislation for action, second reading https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10a._als_bls_web.pdf #tc0303 for ambulance service fee adjustments for this year.  Motion and second, vote via roll call (BLS basic life support, ALS advanced life support.) 9-0
• #tc0303 next up Quarterly PEG funds, the flow through of cable fees to Franklin TV per MGL, as an approved transaction  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10b._peg_-_web.pdf motion, second, passes via roll call 9-0 (Bissanti not going to yell at cable tonight)
• #tc0303 St Patrick's day serving dinner to seniors via the curbside cafe. Make reservations! Phase IV part 1 the library will be opening March 22, incredible innovation, popular curbside pickup; COVID school staff eligible as of Mar 11, schedule via portal
• No local clinic anytime soon, legislative delegates advocated but we're not getting supply. #tc0303 insufficient doses available in March to meet requirements. Per Gov Baker's press release. Happy to answer questions.
• Moving on. #tc0303 consensus on addressing downtown zoning now
• Kudos to the sports teams, great work! Great to hear of the town's work on a national podcast. Buses moved from former Kegan space to use King St until the Panther Way property is ready, helping the schools
• Yesterday was Franklin's birthday, and it wasn't noticed. 3/2 is the birthday. 243 years young. 
• Agendas and packets for CPC will be online #tc0303 excited that the library will be open. Don't let the guard down, we are almost there.
• Thanks to the community for doing what it takes, numbers are down, keep it that way. #tc0303 motion to adjourn, second, passes 9-0 
• That is all for tonight, thanks for following, catch you next time!

train station discussed

Franklin, MA: Town Council Meeting - Mar 3, 2021 - Agenda

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

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

a. February 17, 2021
b. February 3, 2021

4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
None Scheduled

5. APPOINTMENTS
a. Conservation Commission - Andrew Mazzuchelli

6. HEARINGS - 7:10pm
None Scheduled

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
None Scheduled

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
a. Senior Circuit Breaker Income Tax Credit - Erin Rogers, Senior Center Director
b. Downtown Franklin MBTA Parking Lot

9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Capital Budget Subcommittee 
b. Budget Subcommittee 
c. Economic Development Subcommittee

10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Bylaw Amendment 21-869: Chapter 82, Municipal Service Fees Section 82-6 Schedule of Service Fees, Subsection F. Fire - Second Reading (Motion to Adopt Bylaw Amendment 21-869 - Majority Roll Call Vote)

10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 21-12: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44, §53 F3/4 (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-12 - Majority Roll Call Vote) 

11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT
a. COVID-19 Updates

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

Agenda and documents released for this meeting

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/3-3-21_town_council_agenda.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council Meeting - Mar 3, 2021 - Agenda

Parking Ban & Curbside Trash/Recycling Pick-Up - 2/01/21

Parking Ban & Curbside Trash/Recycling Pick-Up 2/1/21

Due to the impending snow storm, there will be a full parking ban from 4 pm today through tomorrow morning.

If your trash is not picked up today, it will be picked up tomorrow.

Stay safe!

Shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/recycling-solid-waste/news/parking-ban-curbside-trashrecycling-pick-2121

Parking Ban & Curbside Trash/Recycling Pick-Up - 2/01/21

Town of Franklin, MA: Veteran's parking space

"The Town has installed a new Veteran's parking space at the Municipal Building. Thanks to the Massachusetts Legislature for approving a law requiring such parking space! @jeffroy @KarenSpilka @BeccaRauschMA"   https://t.co/HDQts9xSZW

Town of Franklin, MA: Veteran's parking space

FBRTC News: Grove Street Parking Lot Closure - Oct 13-16

View this email in your browser Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee PARKING ALERT!! No SNETT parking at Grove Street If you are planning to visit the SNETT in Franklin from 10/13-10/16 be advised, you will not be able to park at the Grove Street trailhead. For more information and alternative parking please visit our website. Copyright © 2020 Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you have opted in to stay informed about the Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee Our mailing address is: Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee PO Box 68 Franklin, Ma 02038

Franklin Downtown Parking Map

Thanks to the Cultural District Committee for putting this together!  https://www.franklinculture.org/

Franklin Downtown Parking Map

SNETT Grove Street Parking Lot Closure

SNETT Grove Street Parking Lot Closure

The Grove Street parking lot in Franklin will be closed this Thursday and Friday.
(2/13/2020 - 2/14/2020) from 7 AM - 3 PM

SNETT Grove Street Parking Lot Closure during work non the pump station

“The parking situation is a major obstacle to the commute"

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

"It’s often challenging for commuters to find a parking spot at commuter rail stations in MetroWest, the Milford area and across the state after 7 a.m. State legislators are asking for more investment in commuter rail parking through the MassWorks grant program to help ease the problem.

Finding a parking spot after 7 a.m. on weekdays at some commuter rail stations along the Framingham-Worcester and Franklin lines can be dicey for people just trying to get to work.

Noreen Reilly-Harrington faces that challenge every day."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190705/legislators-seek-funding-for-more-framingham-and-franklin-commuter-rail-parking

Franklin commuter rail train heading to Franklin Dean Station

"committee is preparing to model out the different options"

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

"A committee of elected officials, business leaders and transportation experts tasked with identifying possible improvements to the state’s commuter rail system is considering a wide range of options, from investing in new vehicles to electrifying the entire network. 

After months of research, the MBTA’s Rail Vision Advisory Committee has identified seven options for improving the system. All would require significant investment, and committee members hope their work will help improve service for the public. 

The panel’s work lies early in the planning phase — and the committee itself will not be responsible for the final decision — but progress is showing. Last week, the group discussed how the options will be analyzed with advanced modeling software to get a better sense of the impacts. In the coming months, the final findings will be presented to the public and to state leaders who will decide what, if any, changes to make."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190127/panel-envisions-range-of-options-for-commuter-rail

For more about the Rail Vision visit the MBTA page
https://www.mbta.com/projects/rail-vision

MBTA’s Rail Vision Advisory Committee

Town Council meeting - Summary Nov 14, 2018

The Town Council reorganized itself with the selection of a new Chairman - Tom Mercer; vice-chair, Matt Kelly and Clerk, Glenn Jones.

Dale Lippert, 8 Beth Road, spoke during citizens comments about drain problems in and around his property that he claims the Town is at least partially responsible for.

Two appointments were made to the Design Review Commission

The parking problems in the arena along the East-West-Nason-Church streets area were reviewed. Franklin Police provided the results of their survey. Some improvements (i.e reduction in parking) was observed and some could be attributed to towing one car with 6 outstanding tickets. Some of the residents are still not happy. Dean College can do more to help as they at least appear to be contributing to the problem. Town administration to set up a meeting to review the matter with Dean. Multiple residents spoke during this segment of the meeting.

Legislation for action recorded unanimous votes, even when roll call was required. The Actions Taken document has not yet been published but the details on the votes can be found in my notes linked below.

Actions Taken (updated 11/21/18)
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/town_council_actions_taken_for_november_14_2018.pdf

Franklin TV has made the video replay available
http://view.earthchannel.com/PlayerController.aspx?PGD=franknma&eID=599

• Live reporting: Administrators Report to Closing
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/11/live-reporting-administrators-report-to.html
• Live Reporting: Legislation for Action (continued)...
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/11/live-reporting-legislation-for-action_14.html
• Live Reporting: Legislation for Action
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/11/live-reporting-legislation-for-action.html
• Live Reporting: Town Council - Nov 14, 2018
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/11/live-reporting-town-council-nov-14-2018.html

The agenda and documents for the meeting can be found

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/11/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-nov-14.html

Turn on terrain view to understand the problem for 8 Beth Road

demolition of the buildings of the former Thompson Press (Oct 2018)

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Nov 14, 2018

The published agenda and documents for the Franklin Town Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, November 14, 2018

(Note: where there are active links in the agenda item, it will take you to the associated document)

You can also find the full set of documents in one PDF

http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/town_council_agenda_packet11-14-18.pdf

Agenda Item	Summary
Town Council Meeting Agenda	Meeting of November 14, 2018 - 7:00 PM
1. ANNOUNCEMENTS	a. This meeting is being recorder by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast Channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.
2. COUNCIL REORGANIZATION	vote for Chair, Vice Chair and Clerk
3. CITIZENS COMMENTS	a. 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.
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES	October 10, 2018 and October 17, 2018
5. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS	None
6. APPOINTMENTS
6a. APPOINTMENTS	Design Review, Ralph Niemi
6b. APPOINTMENTS	Design Review, Melissa DeVito
7. HEARINGS	None
8. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS	None
9. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS	a. Update on West Street Parking
10. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS	a. Capital Budget Subcommittee b. Budget Subcommittee c. Economic Development Subcommittee
11. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
11a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Resolution 18-43: Appropriation of Developer Mitigation Funds for Dean Ave Roadway Improvements (Motion to Approve Resolution 18-43 - Majority Vote (5))
11b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Resolution 18-63: Grant of Utility Easements: Town Owned Land on Easterly Side of Grove Street (Motion to Approve Resolution 18-63 - Two-Thirds Majority Vote (6))
11c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Resolution 18-64: Authorization for the Town of Franklin to Participate with other Governmental Units in the Joint Negotiation and Purchase of Health Insurance (Motion to Approve Resolution 18-64 - Majority Vote (5))
11d. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Zoning Bylaw Amendment 18-820: Zoning Map Changes on or Near King Street, Summer Street, Lawrence Drive, and Uncas Ave- 2nd Reading(Motion to adopt Zoning Bylaw Amendment 18-820 Two Thirds Majority Roll Call Vote (6))
11e. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Zoning Bylaw Amendment 18-821: Zoning Map Changes on or near Plani Street, Pond Street, and Palomino Drive - Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 18-821 to the Planning Board Majority Vote (5))
11f. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Bylaw Amendment 18-826: Chapter 170, Vehicles and Traffic - 1st Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 18-826 to a 2nd Reading Majority Vote (5))
11g. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Bylaw Amendment 18-827: Amendment to the Water System Map - 1st Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 18-827 to a 2nd Reading Majority Vote (5))
12. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT
13. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
14. COUNCIL COMMENTS
15. EXECUTIVE SESSION	None Scheduled
16. ADJOURN

demolition of the buildings of the former Thompson Press (Oct 2018)