Parking may be the hot topic for Town Council meeting Wednesday

1 - Among the items for the Town Council agenda for Wednesday's meeting are two items that were  discussed at the prior Economic Development Subcommittee meeting. 

To move the parking fines item forward, there were interesting actions among the members before it finally got a vote to pass (first vote was 2-2 which failed to pass the motion forward). The other item was incompletely discussed (time ran out). 

c. Bylaw Amendment 22-879: Chapter 170, Vehicles and Traffic, Appendix A, Fines, Parking Violations - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 22-879 to Second Reading - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9c._downtown_parking_fines.pdf

d. Bylaw Amendment 22-880: Chapter 170, Vehicles and Traffic, Article IV, Stopping, Standing and Parking, §170-15 Parking Prohibitions and Limitations, D. Parking Prohibited, Downtown Parking Map - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 22-880 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9d._22-880_downtown_parking_map_0.pdf

Prior EDC recording & notes -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/04/economic-development-subcommittee-moves.html

2 - Among the other items on the very full agenda:

• The two compliance check failures are rescheduled for their hearing
• An update from 4th District Congressman Jake Auchincloss
• Another in the set of street acceptances
• Presentation on the audit report for FY 2021 (clean!)

Agenda doc & connection info   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_may_4_2022.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - May 4, 2022 - 7 PM

CommonWealth Magazine: "Calculating the right price for commuter rail"

"RIDERS ON THE MBTA commuter rail know that the network is significantly more expensive than the T’s local bus and subway service. It’s due for a change now.

For any trip on the Commuter Rail within I-95, local bus and subway service is often cheaper. It costs $7 to travel from Needham Heights to South Station and from Waltham to North Station. Route 59 to the Green Line in Newton? $2.40. Route 70 to the Red Line in Cambridge? $2.40.

These examples are not just anomalies within the system. The commuter rail gets proportionally more expensive closer to the Boston terminals. With the significant difference in cost, it’s clear why the commuter rail is not a popular option for many in the Greater Boston area, especially in communities closer to downtown. In 2018, Waltham saw about 500 passengers board the Fitchburg Line each day. At the Riverside Green Line station in Newton, over 1,800 passengers boarded the Green Line that same day."

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/opinion/calculating-the-right-price-for-commuter-rail/

Note: for my 2 cents, pricing for commuter rail is not the only factor. Consider the cost for parking at the station, a better schedule, and reliability of on-time service as the key factors to increase ridership along with the commuter rail fare.

CommonWealth Magazine: "Calculating the right price for commuter rail"

Economic Development Subcommittee moves parking fee changes and restrictions forward to Council

FM #776 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 776 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting held on Wednesday, April 13, 2022 in the 3rd Floor Training Room.  

Quick recap:

• Two items on the agenda, first up - parking update for the East/West & Nason Sts area; Chief Lynch and Lt Riley provided updates on parking pattern and parking fee structure in comparison to some neighboring communities, draft presented for review in agenda doc. Key discussion from community and councilors was around what amount would change the behavior of the students without creating a negative impact on businesses and residents. Ultimately passed for consideration by full council amending overtime violation to be set at $35

• Second item - changing the hours of parking zone, and setting no overnight parking, attempting to keep vehicles in movement creating space for others to use, running out of time (due to first issue) but this moved to the Council for additional discussion as well.

The recording of the meeting runs just over an hour.   Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-776-economic-development-subcmte-mtg-04-13-22

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Meeting agenda doc -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2022-04-13_edc_agenda_packet_0.pdf 

My notes captured via Twitter 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dJ1cfHPu9_ev2IYBa8Rj1nyRad0sDj89/view?usp=sharing 

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

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"

 

Economic Development Subcommittee moves parking fee changes and restrictions forward to Council

Trio of meetings today: Special School Cmte; EDC subcmte & Town Council

Franklin School Committee
Wednesday, April 13, 2022 - 5 PM
Municipal Building – Council Chambers

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/events/scagenda_4-13-22_special_mtg.pdf

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting
Agenda & Meeting Packet
April 13, 2022 - 5:45 PM
Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building
3rd floor, Training Room

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2022-04-13_edc_agenda_packet_0.pdf

FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL
Agenda & Meeting Packet
April 13, 2022 - 7 PM
Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building
2nd floor, Council Chamber

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_-_april_13_2022.pdf



5:00 pm Special Meeting: LIVE, Chambers, School Superintendent Interview– Cable TV only
5:45 pm Economic Development: 3rd Floor Training Room, 878 2562 4489
7:00 pm Town Council: LIVE, Chambers, 859 5040 4004

Note: I'll start with the School Committee meeting in the Council Chambers, and move to cover the EDC meeting as that begins (assuming School Cmte meeting won't have ended) and then come back for the Council meeting in the Chambers.

FYI - other meetings and events can be found on the Town calendar ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar

Trio of meetings today: Special School Cmte; EDC subcmte & Town Council

Economic Development Subcommittee: Agenda - Apr 13, 2022 - 5:45 PM

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting

Agenda & Meeting Packet

April 13, 2022 - 5:45 PM

3rd Floor training room & Zoom option

Agenda:
1. Downtown traffic and parking improvements

a. West Street neighborhood follow-up

i. Town Administrator Memo

ii. Town Bylaw Parking Fines

b. Downtown Main Corridor Parking

i. Map Amendment proposal

Full agenda and associated documents including remote connection info
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2022-04-13_edc_agenda_packet_0.pdf 

West Street neighborhood parking follow-up

Recap: Economic Development Subcommittee hears plans for March 7 Forum; reviews parking downtown (audio)

FM #743 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 743 in the series. 

This shares the Economic Development Subcommittee Plus meeting that was held on Wednesday, March 2, 2022.

The meeting was started in a hybrid mode; all four Town Council committee members (Hamblen - Chair, Jones, Frongillo and Sheridan) were present. The two representatives from the Planning Board (Greg Rondeau, Beth Wierling) and the representative from the ZBA (Bruce Hunchard) form the “EDC+” “Franklin For All Steering Committee.” 

The MAPC representatives participated via the Zoom connection. Some public participants and the Town Administration staff were in person. Other public participants were connected via the Zoom conference bridge. 

Links to the meeting agenda and my notes are in the show notes. 

This recording runs about 55 minutes.  Let’s listen to the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting for Mar 2, 2022. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-743-economic-development-subcmte-plus-mtg-03-03-22

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Meeting agenda 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2022-03-02_edc_agenda_2.pdf 

My notes captured via Twitter and shared here in summary form

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1V5Elt8VgAm40bYLsmg9dP4rGNqXB4nVD/view?usp=sharing 

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

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"

Recap: Economic Development Subcommittee hears plans for March 7 Forum; reviews parking downtown (audio)

Economic Development Subcommittee - Agenda - March 2 - 5:45 PM

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting

Agenda & Meeting Packet

March 2, 2022 - 5:45 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building, 2nd floor, Council Chambers, 355 East Central Street

Agenda: 

1. EDC + Steering Committee: Discussion from MAPC about the “Franklin For All” zoning reform project for Franklin Center, including the Downtown Commercial District and surrounding neighborhoods. To register for the Public forum on March 7th, 2022 click here -> https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUrdeutpzwvHdyO2z-d4dc6OS0py3faxZR7 

2. Downtown parking follow up from the Town Council meeting on February 16, 2022.

Agenda doc with remote connection info ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2022-03-02_edc_agenda_2.pdf

Economic Development Subcommittee - Agenda - March 2 - 5:45 PM

Town of Franklin: DPW Recorded Message with the storm notices for Feb 25, 2022

The audio recorded message from Town of Franklin DPW Director Robert (Brutus) Cantoreggi with the notices on the trash delay, recycling center closure, and parking ban - all in advance of the storm forecasted for Friday, Feb 25, 2022. 

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/town-of-franklin-storm-notices-02-24-2022 

Town of Franklin: DPW Recorded Message with the storm notices for Feb 25, 2022

Curbside Trash and Recycling Will Be Picked Up on Saturday (2/26) Instead of Friday (2/25); Parking Ban 1 AM to 8 PM during storm

1 - Curbside Trash and Recycling Will Be Picked Up on Saturday (2/26) Instead of Friday (2/25)

2 - Parking ban in effect 2/25/22 from 1:00 AM to 8 PM 

Curbside Trash and Recycling Will Be Picked Up on Saturday (2/26) Instead of Friday (2/25); Parking Ban 1 AM to 8 PM during storm

Shared from https://www.franklinma.gov/recycling-solid-waste/news/curbside-trash-and-recycling-will-be-picked-saturday-226-instead-friday

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

Escape Into Fiction reminds us that the Downtown parking map is available

 

"#Franklin may look like all the parking is full, but did you know there are THREE lots, places in downtown that you can park for free? Need a better image? Just go to the Town of Franklins official website and you can see the entire map.

Don’t let the thought of no parking keep you from checking out some great new and well established businesses."

Shared from Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CZ2Hcb-l_W0/

Franklin Downtown Parking map (PDF) prepared by the Cultural District 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/parking_brochure_6_3_2020_0.pdf

You can also interact with the Downtown parking GIS map here

https://townoffranklin.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=6bf6022121014f43860164a1c1325fab

Escape Into Fiction reminds us of that the Downtown parking map  is available

Update: parking ban for this weekend in advance of the forecasted blizzard

Parking Ban, 1AM Sat to 8AM Sun

•     Schools, 
•     Library, 
•     Recycling 

all closed Sat and Sun. 

All recreation events cancelled also canceled this weekend

Shared from Town of Franklin page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/urgent-alerts/parking-ban-129-1am-130-8am

Be safe!

Will we see snow like we did in 2015? Stay tuned!

FHS parking monitoring and enforcement resumes week of Jan 31, 2022

Pantherbook (@FHSPantherbook) tweeted on Wed, Jan 26, 2022:

We have noticed an increase in the number of unregistered cars in the student parking lots. 
1. Please remember to park in your assigned lot.
2. Unregistered? Please see Mr. Lestage in the 3rd floor office.
3. Starting next week we will begin recording license plate numbers. 

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/FHSPantherbook/status/1486403753100066819

FHS parking monitoring and enforcement resumes week of Jan 31, 2022

Senior Parking Pass for MA Residents good for use at MA State Parks

Massachusetts residents aged 62 or older are eligible for a discounted lifetime parking pass. This pass covers the cost of parking at most state parks.

If you are eligible for a Senior Parking Pass, you can order it by mail.

Send a request for a Senior Parking Pass to your closest regional office:

Central Regional Office

355 West Boylston Street, Route 110

Clinton, MA 01510

Attention: Senior Pass 

Include:

• A copy of your Massachusetts driver’s license or other official proof of state residency and age.
• A check for $10 made out to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
• A contact phone number or email in case we need to reach you. (Optional)
• Senior passes may take 4-7 weeks before they are mailed.

For additional info on this program, use this MA Gov link ->  https://www.mass.gov/how-to/get-a-senior-parking-pass

Senior Parking Pass for MA Residents good for use at MA State Parks

Town Council Meeting - 09/01/21 - Audio in 2 parts

FM #598 & 599 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, numbers 598 & 599 in the series. 

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

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

I’ve split the just over 3.5 hour session (total elapsed time) into 2 logical segments:

• First - covers the opening, Police promotions, new hires and the Public hearing on the downtown zoning item. The break after the police ceremonies was excluded from this audio.  (~59 mins)

• Second - covers the balance of the meeting, entry to Executive Session, and then the return to open meeting 40 minutes later  (~1 hour and 8 minutes)

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda. Let’s listen to the Town Council meeting of Sep 1, 2021

Part 1 = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/69af8744-8945-4f07-9192-beec01e71403

Part 2 = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/da222513-19e9-462b-a3d0-794a3699828f

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Agenda document 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/9-1-21_town_council_agenda.pdf 

My notes from the meeting  -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/09/recap-town-council-meeting-090121.html

Photos of the Police promotions and swearing in can be found in one album

https://photos.app.goo.gl/VJ494vDqhnX1SEDbA

Town Council Quarterbacking session (a short recap with Council Chair Tom Mercer) -> 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/09/fm-597-town-council-quarterbacking.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"

 

Victoria McVicar, New Hire Introduction & Ceremonial Swearing in