Recap: Town Council discusses Old South Meeting House, formalizes Joint Budget Committee among key items

Quick recap:

• The Council meeting began with a number of citizen comments about the student behavior and parking issues in the neighborhood around Dean College
• Recognition of Priscilla Cornetta, founder of Friends of Franklin, along with three promotions within the Franklin Police Dept
• Two alcohol license transactions were approved
• Discussion on the Old South Meeting House results in steps to be taken to put out an RFP to see if someone would buy it from the Town
• Approval of the Town Council procedures with some technical updates to bring into alignment with Mass general law and some to put into writing what actually had been the process, along with some minor modifications to bring enable better meeting management
• Formalization of the Joint Budget Committee composed of representatives from the Town Council, School Committee and Finance Committee with an "'advisory" role. This should help with sharing the details on cost drivers among the key groups and community in developing the budget

My Town Council meeting notes taken via Twitter and captured along with the photos shared from the meeting in one PDF document

The audio recording will be available in a day or so.

View the notes via the embedded document (below) or via this link ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MtKjMop-hOxx9-WcdZt9Lwy3bTmNl8I9/view?usp=sharing

Photos captured during the meetings (sone shared via Twitter, some not shared) can be found in one album ->  https://photos.app.goo.gl/jWU9Ht8xtBRdFa2T8

 

Recognition of Priscilla Cornetta, founder of Friends of Franklin

Franklin, MA Town Council Meeting - Wednesday, September 15, 2021 - Three Part Audio Segments

FM #605-606-607 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, numbers 605-606-607 in the series. 

This shares the three part audio segments of the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, September 15, 2021. 

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: members of the Town Council and Town Administration personnel, the Police retirement and promotion individuals, 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 just about two hours and forty-five minutes ( 2:45 total elapsed time) into three (3) logical segments:

• First (#605) - covers the opening, citizen comments, Police retirement and promotions. The break after the police ceremonies was excluded from this audio.  (~40 mins)

• Second (#606) - covers three appointments, one license transaction and the SAFE Coalition presentation by Jennifer Knight-Levine (~ 58 minutes) 

• Third (#607) - covers the DelCarte invasive species update by Conservation Agent Jennifer Delmore, Legislation for Action, Council Comments and meeting close. (~ 58 minutes)

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda. Let’s listen to this segment of the Town Council meeting of Sep 15, 2021

Part 1 (#605) -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/5563727f-a24f-4aa8-b4e2-9901951bd693

Part 2 (#606) -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/ab9ec365-5692-4151-883f-04fe5e8014cd

Part 3 (#607) -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/c0a7f4f2-5afb-4d2d-9daf-64422c92b1f1

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Agenda document 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/09-15-2021_town_council_agenda.pdf 

My notes from the meeting  -> 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/09/recap-introduction-retirement-promotion.html 

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

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/09/fm604-town-council-quarterbacking.html 

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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 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!

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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"

 

Slide from the SAFE Coalition presentation by Jennifer Knight-Levine

FM#604 - Town Council Quarterbacking - 09/15/21 (audio)

FM #604 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 604 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 September 15, 2021: 

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following key topics

4.       PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

a.        Police Department:

i.          Sergeant Lee Drake - Retirement

ii.         Sergeant Louis Marguerite - Promotion

 

5.        APPOINTMENTS

a.        Janice Prentice - Associate member, Historical Commission   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/5a._appointment_-_prentice.pdf 

b.        Chuna Keophannga - Finance Committee   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/5b._appointment_-_keophannga.pdf 

c.         Tyrel Hansen - Finance Committee   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/5c._appointment_-_hansen.pdf 

 

7.        LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

a.        Franklin Shed, LLC d/b/a Franklin Shed, New Section 12 Restaurant, All Alcoholic Beverages, and approval of manager, located at 340 East Central Street, Franklin, MA.   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/7a._web_franklin_shed.pdf 

 

8.        PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS

a.        SAFE Coalition, Jennifer Knight-Levine, Executive Director

b.        Delcarte Conservation Area Weed Remediation, Jennifer Delmore, Conservation Agent  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8b._delcarte_weeds_pres.pdf

 

10.      LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a.        Resolution 21-53: Gift Acceptance, Franklin Public Library $5,890, Veterans’ Service Department $300, Fire Department $200 (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-53 - Majority Vote)

b.        Bylaw Amendment 21-875: Chapter 82, Trash and Recycling Fee Increase - Second Reading

(Motion to adopt Bylaw Amendment 21-875 - Majority Roll Call Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/10b._21-875_trash.pdf 

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/9ff2fbfe-abca-4e0b-893e-e69b66a08c5c

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Agenda doc (including connection info) -> 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/09/recap-introduction-retirement-promotion.html 

Volunteer form -> http://franklinmaboards.vt-s.net/newcaf.php 

The report tab is configured for two reports, one on vacancies -> http://franklinmaboards.vt-s.net/vt.php 

And one on expiring terms -> http://franklinmaboards.vt-s.net/et.php  

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

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"

 

FM#604 - Town Council Quarterbacking - 09/15/21 (audio)

FM #316 - Franklin (MA) Fire Department Promotion Ceremony (audio)

FM #316 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 316 in the series.

This session shares the Franklin (MA) Fire Department Promotion Ceremony held on Wednesday, July 22, 2020. This is the next step in the department's reorganization plan put together by Chief James J McLaughlin. Links to earlier updates are in the shown notes.

The ceremony runs just about 45 minutes, so let’s listen to Fire Department Promotion Ceremony.

Note the actual swearing in language is hard to hear however all the announcements for the pinning is loud and clear.  Audio file = https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-316-franklin-ma-fire-department-promotion-ceremony

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The program and photos from the event
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/07/franklin-fire-department-promotional.html

Chief McLaughlin interview in March 2020
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/04/fm-233-fire-chief-james-mclaughlin.html

FinCom budget hearing May 2020
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/05/finance-committee-recap-budget-hearing.html

Town Council budget hearing June 2020
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/real-time-reporting-town-council-budget.html

Town Council votes to remove Fire Dept from Civil Service in Jan 2020 (requires legislative approval)
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/01/fire-dept-removed-from-civil-service.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/
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"

FM #316 - Franklin (MA) Fire Department Promotion Ceremony (audio)

Franklin Fire Department Promotional Ceremony

Promotional Ceremony

Wednesday, July 22, 2020

4:30 PM ~ 6:00 PM

Franklin Fire Headquarters
40 West Central Street
Franklin, MA 02038

Processional
Lt. Scott Keefe, Milford Fire Department
Bag Pipes ~ Worcester Fire Brigade

Performing the National Anthem
Liz Cassidy, fellow Town Employee & Vocalist

Invocation
Chaplain Rick Marcoux

Greeting
Deputy Chief James P. Klich

Speakers
Fire Chief James J. McLaughlin
Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator

Promotions & Pinning Ceremony

Benediction
Chaplain Rick Marcoux


... Honorees ...

Battalion Chief Charles Allen 
Battalion Chief Thomas Carlucci 
Battalion Chief Keith Darling 
Battalion Chief Steven Sims

Captain William Blanchard
Captain Thomas Konieczny
Captain Sean Lovely
Captain Kevin Marshall

Lieutenant Paul Molla
Lieutenant Laurie Roy
Lieutenant David Smith

Firefighter/Paramedic Dylan Voss

A copy of the program can be found
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1f9AmWtMnBVashlWAs5cFhiA_7xV6R8hL/view?usp=sharing

Photos from the ceremony can be found in the following album
https://1drv.ms/a/s!AiZyV6NyMWgnhqhqC9yQkR7loijgGQ

Or on Flickr here  https://flic.kr/s/aHsmPAkXSr

Franklin Fire Department Promotional Ceremony

Franklin Downtown Partnership: Submit Your Holiday Happenings by Nov 18

Events in Franklin

Submit Your Holiday Event for Publication To help promote our members during the holiday season, the Franklin Downtown Partnership will publish a special holiday newsletter that will list local FDP business holiday events. If your business is holding a special event during the holiday season, please complete the online form no later than Nov. 18, 2019.  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScTzJLWF0CFKCuDeCoAZ0SkxUwsFP9Xh10BwYPjTF--n7DBEA/viewform   Franklin Downtown Partnership | www.frankindowntownpartnership.org

Franklin Downtown Partnership | 9 E. Central St., Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by franklindowntownpartnership@gmail.com in collaboration with Try email marketing for free today!

Town Council Recap - Feb 1, 2017

The Town Council moved to approve the change in manager for Joe's American Bar and Grill, held a public hearing on the zoning for recreational marijuana and approved a land swap with the State to help resolve the outstanding issue with the Recycling Center.

How serious are liquor license violations taken?
At least by the Joe's American Bar and Grill, the actions taken since their violation serving an uderage drinker as part of the annual Franklin Police operation in 2016, they are serious. The restaurant boosted their training requirements for the wait and bar staff. The restaurant is now using a private sting service where monthly the company conducts a sting operation. The first four the restaurant has passed. There also is a new manager who was approved as part of the normal license change process.

Marijuana zoning
The public hearing on marijuana zoning drew no community comments and very little discussion from the Council. The set of 5 amendments align the recreational marijuana with the zoning for medical marijuana (in the industrial park areas of Franklin). In the combination, the terminology is also removing the medical or recreational distinction and just calling it 'marijuana' zoning. The five amendments were moved to a second reading after the public hearing. The measures will be scheduled for a future Council meeting for final approval.

Public access on private property
The issue raised last year where it was revealed that one of Franklin's drainage pump stations had been placed on private property and Franklin had no access agreement with the residences, was finally resolved. 

Police Dept promotions
The domino effect of replacing Chief Semerjian with Chief Lynch continued with the recognition of five promotions. Officers Smith, Guarino, Bussey, Grover, and West were introduced for the public pinning ceremony. The details of the introductory remarks were published separately and can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/02/franklin-police-department-promotions.html

post bage and pinning L to R: Bussey, Smith, Grover, West, Guarino

29.3 acres for 4.71
The amount of land Franklin is swapping with the State to resolve the issue with the recycling Center on Beaver St. Apparently, years ago when it was used as a land fill, Franklin had used more of the land they they technically owned. When the landfill closed, due to the ownership issues, the closing of the fill area was not completed properly and has been sitting unresolved until now. The land swap deal needs to be authorized y the Legislature but then when Franklin owns the land, additional work will need to be done to properly cap the fill.

Per Jeff Nutting at the meeting in his update to the Council, it would be approximately 2-3 years before they would come back with the plan and request for some number of millions of dollars to cap the landfill and complete the recycling center.





My notes reported live from the meeting can be found here

• Live reporting: to closing
• Live Reporting: Legislation for Action
• Live reporting: License transfer - Joe's American ...
• Live reporting: Public hearing on recreational mar...
• Live reporting: Town Council - Feb 1, 2017

The Actions Taken as published by the Town Council can also be found here
http://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/town-council-actions-taken-february-1-2017

The full video for the meeting is available from the Town of Franklin
http://view.earthchannel.com/PlayerController.aspx?PGD=franknma&eID=431