Town Council expresses frustration with ABCC regs, approved license transfer (video)

The Franklin (MA) Town Council met on Thursday, May 22 for it's second budget hearing as outlined in Town bylaws. Given that the questions on the FY 2026 budget were effectively covered on Wednesday, and with the special election scheduled for June 3, the hearing was continued to June 4 to close out the budget process.

Depending upon the results of the vote on June 3, if the override is successful, then the budget can be approved as proposed. If the override fails to pass, then the proposed cuts will need to be determined before the budget is finally approved.

7 of the Councilors were present for Thursday's session (Chandler and Pellegri absent). Dellorco left the Council Chambers during the public hearing on the alcohol license transfer and did not return.

Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/KxgDYAmr-zM?&t=95

The agenda and released documentation for this session ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05222025-1753 

Quick recap:

• Public hearing on License Modification - Change of LLC Managers & Change of Ownership (Beneficial Membership) Interest of a Section 12 Restaurant All Alcoholic Beverages License: Franklin Shed, LLC d/b/a The Shed, Located at 340 East Central St., Franklin, MA 02038
• After explanation, measure approved. Effectively, the 2 existing owners expanded ownership to include two of their employees.
• 2 Public hearings were opened as the items were directly and intimately related to each other and needed to be reviewed together.
• Transfer, Change of Location and Approval of Manager of a Section 15 Wine and Malt Beverages Package Store License: DeVitas Market, LLC d/b/a DeVita’s Market, Located at 198 East Central St
• Transfer, Change of Location and Approval of Manager of a Section 15 All Alcoholic Beverages Package Store License: Table & Vine, Inc., Located at 348 East Central St
• Attorney Cornetta carefully explained the moving parts that would effectively transfer the beer & wine license from the Big Y to DeVita's and the all alcohol license at DeVita's would transfer to Big Y. As the 2 licenses are so close to each other, the transfer was not in the realm of denying based upon the case law already established. 
• The prior transfer Big Y attempted was successfully and legally denied as it would have changed the mix of licenses in the East Central neighborhood. This current transfer simply swapped licenses within the half mile locations and did not materially change the overall license impact.
• Mr Halligan is establishing an LLC to purchase DeVitas, maintain operation with the beer & wine license, allowing Mr Donovan to retire from the business. He will also upgrade the building and operations including installation of a grease trap.
• The Big Y has successfully operated other all alcohol licenses without issue in MA, including the current beer & wine license in Franklin. They will bring in a new manager for the license and rotate the current manager within their operations as they normally do.
• Councilor Dellorco expressed his frustration with the move and acknowledged that aside from the legalities, he would vote no. He left the public hearing before the vote.
• Councilor Cormier-Leger attempted to motion to have the transfer vote tabled to a future meeting, it did not get the majority vote (tied 3-3) so the votes proceeded as scheduled and both transfers passed 5-1-3 (5 for, 1 against (Cormier-Leger) and 3 absent)
• The second FY 2026 Budget hearing was opened, after some discussion, it was continued to the June 4 Town Council meeting.

My notes as captured via Twitter/x during the session can be found in one PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Zc-q92nV-paFAQ3DXWbqcucn-NRwRCVE/view?usp=drive_link

Town Council expresses frustration with ABCC regs, approved license transfer (video)

Town Council hears of clean audit and renewal of AAA rating among items on a varied and busy meeting (video)

The Town Council met as scheduled on Wednesday evening, May 7 starting a few minutes after 7 PM with all 9 Councilors present.

The Franklin TV recording is available for review -> https://www.youtube.com/live/BjLJUaJedMc&t=389

The agenda and released documents for this session ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05072025-1719

Quick recap:

• Town Clerk Nancy Danello provides some updates on the early voting, last day to register, etc. for the FY 2026 override special election June 3
• School Committee Chair Dave Callaghan provides some updates on the redistricting efforts, how the savings will lay the foundation for the future assuming the override does pass
• Citizens comments:
• J Callaway-Tripp, thanks for the Parmenter property deed adjustment; Future use of whatever the property be designated for, requesting a Town wide vote as it did back in the early 1950's; Request a town committee to determine the future of the property
• M Minnichelli quotes Yogi Berra, reminding that we should set a target, the 10% is a state requirement
• J Nutting speaking for the override
• Sherlock spoke to the FinCom budget hearings (watch, listen, read almost complete) and Pen to Picture event May 10 at the Library
• J Cohen asking for help in speaking for clarity on the issues around the override, stopping building is not the same as voting on the override
• Recognition
• Police Department - Swearing in of New Police Officer, Tyler Hosley
• Police Department - Recognition of New Town of Upton Chief of Police, Chief Nicholas Palmieri, former Sergeant of the Franklin Police Department

2 minute recess 

• Public hearing
• New Section 12 Restaurant All Alcoholic Beverages License and Approval of Karan Goswami as the Manager - Kaushik Restaurants Inc. d/b/a Mirchi Indian Cuisine. Attorney and applicant participated remotely. Applicant had started ABCC application without legal assistance, withdrew it from ABCC and with legal guidance resubmitted. No real changes to application operational details; Motion to approve, second, passes 9-0
•  Public hearing
• Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-935: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185, Section 24, Floodplain District. No comments or questions from public or Council, had also been approved by Planning Board  Motion to move to 3nd reading, second, passes 9-0
• License Modification - Change of Manager of a Section 12 Restaurant All Alcoholic Beverages License: The Chateau Restaurant of Franklin, Inc. d/b/a The Chateau, Motion to approve, second, passes 9-0
• Presentation: 
• FY24 Financial Audit - Scott McIntire, CPA, Managing Director, CBIZ, we have a clean audit result this year. Scott compliments to the Town for preparing and executing in the audit, Entirely new set of staff to conduct this audit, a clean audit opinion. This reflects an evaluation of the internal controls of the Town operations
• Jamie also updated that the recent bond application resulted in renewal of our AAA rating, a major accomplishment to continue this
• What does the triple AAA mean? The lowest interest rate is available to use and will save us millions of dollars; Beaver St interceptor project is at 1.5% interest, in today's market it would be about 4%
• Legislation for action
• Resolution 25-28: Extension of the Time Period for the Automatic Reverter Contained in the Deed of Former Town-owned Land Off Panther Way Previously Conveyed to the Franklin Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Fund; Motion to approve, second, passes 9-0
• Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-927: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185, Section 3 of The Code Of The Town of Franklin, Definitions (Shared-Use Commercial Kitchen) - Second Reading;  & Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-928: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185, Attachment 3, Use Regulation Schedule, Part II Principal Uses (Shared-Use Commercial Kitchen)  - Second Reading; Both measures Motion to approve, second; Discussion, there has been interest expressed; Passes 9-0 via roll call
• TA Report highlights
• Budget hearing May 21-22, will be continued to June 4 to do the votes that night after the
• override results are available
• How does development affect the budget? Jamie will do his best to address, will be beneficial for community discussion as part of the hearing 5/22. Jamie will be attending the ZBA meeting at the request of the chair and members. Will be part of other discussions on the 444 East Central St item for as long as it goes
• Best Western no longer housing emergency shelter as of July. Budget issues were not being created by that State item. The Town has not spent a dollar on that
• Bids came in on budget for the cupola, hopefully work will start June/July when contractor will be available
• Cricket field being built and opening here on Pond St (behind Kennedy)
• Sculpture Park new features there
• Porchfest will also feature a Cornhole competition June 7

My notes collected in one PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YrOYu85-re20L0v7tmmAvCY2e54ir5sY/view?usp=drive_link

Notice of Public Hearing - Transfer of a Section 12 All Alcoholic Beverages Restaurant License From ACT Hospitality, Inc. d/b/a Box Seats to Franklin Hospitality Group, LLC d/b/a The Tavern on Central

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
FRANKLIN, MA
Transfer of a Section 12 All Alcoholic Beverages Restaurant License
From ACT Hospitality, Inc. d/b/a Box Seats to Franklin Hospitality
Group, LLC d/b/a The Tavern on Central

 

 

The Franklin Town Council will hold a Public Hearing on an application by Franklin Hospitality Group, LLC for a transfer to it of a Section 12 All Alcoholic Beverages Restaurant License presently held by ACT Hospitality, Inc. d/b/a Box Seats, located at 391 East Central Street, #5, Franklin, MA, to continue to be exercised at 391 East Central Street, #5, Franklin, MA. 

 

This public hearing will take place during the Town Council Public Meeting beginning at 7:00 pm on April 30, 2025; there will be an opportunity for public input during the process. 

 

Location: Municipal Building, 2nd floor Council Chambers, 355 E. Central Street, Franklin, and also via the “ZOOM” platform. Residents can visit the Town website (Franklinma.gov) town calendar to review the agenda and for up to date meeting information, on and after April 25, 2025. 

 

Please call the Town Administrator’s Office at (508) 520-4949 if you require further information or to make arrangements for translation services.

Respectfully Submitted by,

Julie McCann
Licensing Administrator

 

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04302025-1679

 

Notice of Public Hearing - Transfer of a Section 12 All Alcoholic Beverages Restaurant License From ACT Hospitality, Inc. d/b/a Box Seats to Franklin Hospitality Group, LLC d/b/a The Tavern on Central

Notice of Public Hearing - Community Preservation Committee - May 5

LEGAL NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
FRANKLIN, MA
Community Preservation Committee (CPC)

 

The Franklin Community Preservation Committee will hold a public hearing on Monday, May 5, 2025 at 7:00 PM. This annual public hearing is required by statute, and will involve a discussion of Franklin’s needs, possibilities and resources regarding community preservation and the use of Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds to address these issues, as permitted by the CPA, and will provide an opportunity for public input.

This hearing will be held in person in the Municipal Building, 2nd floor Council
Chambers, 355 E. Central St., Franklin and will also be available via the “ZOOM” platform. Residents can visit the Town website (Franklinma.gov) calendar on and after April 30, 2025 for updated information. Please call the Town Administrator’s Office at (508) 520-4949 if you require further information or to make arrangements for translation services.

Respectfully Submitted by,

Julie McCann

 

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05052025-1680

 

Notice of Public Hearing - Community Preservation Committee - May 5

"An Act to establish a study of Kingsbury Pond in the town of Norfolk" - H1061

"An Act to establish a study of Kingsbury Pond in the town of Norfolk" -> https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1061

The hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, April 8, 2025 from 01:00 PM -  5:00 PM in A-1

Anyone can submit written public comment or sign up to make public comment in person. The instructions to do so are here: https://malegislature.gov/Events/Hearings/Detail/5121

 

 

Note: A view of the legislative history shows that this bill has been submitted for multiple sessions. Maybe with this hearing process, it might actually get acted upon.

"An Act to establish a study of Kingsbury Pond in the town of Norfolk"  - H1061

Franklin (MA) School Committee conducts public hearing on FY 2026 budget (audio)

FM #1370 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1370 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, February 4, 2024. The meeting had been added to the schedule given the revised budget timeline which enabled this 2 months earlier than previous years. 6 of the 7 members participated (4 in Chambers, 2 remotely, and 1 absent - O’Sullivan).

Quick recap

• The meeting did start late due to some timing and technical issues that were resolved to get the meeting going

• The redistricting efforts provide significant savings. If the redistricting was not done (to be effective this Sept 2025) the "level service" budget as proposed would be approx $6M more than requested. That said, this budget still assumes (1) the Town Council approves of an override of at $3 to 5M (number still to be determined) (2) and it is successful, or there would be cuts to this budget

• Lots of questions to clarify line items not so much the amount but what it covered in terms of education services, etc.

• No vote tonight, that comes next week at their Feb 11 scheduled meeting

The recording runs just under 2 hours minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1370-franklin-ma-school-cmte-fy-2026-budget-hearing-02-04-25/

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Franklin TV Video -> (Full video uploaded now) 

https://youtu.be/vAltgGVwnQE?&t=100 

The "budget book" was posted Tuesday afternoon -> https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5269967/-FY26_Franklin_Budget_Book_.docx_-_Google_Docs_1_.pdf 

The budget line item summary was posted during the meeting ->    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fy1HMBBXlvR3R8TLgKfELxoy9pEwk8P5/view 

The agenda doc -> 

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5247243/SCAGENDA_2-4-25_Budget_Open_Hearing.pdf 

My notes taken during the meeting in one PDF -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yWlpg2EVU57DC3EUI1Oh-PTaCpSS9Jno/view?usp=drive_link 

Photos of the presentation doc taken during the meeting (doc itself should be posted to Schools page Wed/Thu will update to include link when available)

https://photos.app.goo.gl/tyFRLmSzqjBU7td18 

  

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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

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

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"

School Committee conducts public hearing on FY 2026 budget (audio)

Tom Mercer condenses the Jan 22, 2025 Town Council meeting in this Quarterbacking session (audio)

FM #1360 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1360 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares our “Town Council Quarterbacking” with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. We had our conversation via the Zoom Conference Bridge on Thursday, January 23, 2025.  Our conversation condenses the Council meeting of Wednesday night with a focus on two questions:

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

Topics for this session

• APPOINTMENTS - Police Station Building Committee - Andrew Woodward

• PUBLIC HEARING - rescheduled to Feb 5; New Common Victualler Section 12 Restaurant All Alcoholic Beverages License and Approval of Karan Goswami as the Manager - Kaushik Restaurants Inc. d/b/a Mirchi Indian Cuisine

• PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION on Maple Hill and Schmidt Farm Update - Breeka Li Goodlander, Conservation Director

• 2 Zoning Bylaw Amendments for Signs, first reading and approved to move to second reading

• 2 Zoning Bylaw Amendments for their second reading, and receiving unanimous final approval

• Grant of Underground Gas Distribution System Easement for work by Eversource at the Pump Station near the Recreation Dept.

• Approval of a donation for the Senior Center

• TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

• Emergency housing potentially ended by year end (if not sooner)

• New website, agenda issue for Jamie, kins to be worked out

• Senior Center heating issue, funding planned for ‘permanent’ fix

Let’s listen to my conversation with Tom as we recap the Town Council meeting held this week. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1360-town-council-quarterbacking-01-23-25/

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Franklin TV video available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/whUEjE1HPjY?&t=149 

The agenda doc -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/2025-01-22_town_council_agenda_1.pdf 

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

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

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

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"

Notice of Public Hearing - Acceptance of Portion of September Drive and Countryside Lane and Related Drainage Lots and Easements - Feb 5

Notice of Public Hearing - Acceptance of Portion of September Drive and Countryside Lane and Related Drainage Lots and Easements

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02052025-1488

Notice of Public Hearing - Acceptance of Portion of September Drive and Countryside Lane and Related Drainage Lots and Easements - Feb 5

Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for January 22, 2025 Meeting

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

January 22, 2025 - 7:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building

2nd floor, Council Chambers 355 East Central Street 

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 9 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.

c. Upcoming Town Sponsored Community Events.

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS

a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. In compliance with G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 20 et seq, the Open Meeting Law, the Council cannot engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter. Nothing herein shall prevent the Town Administrator from correcting a misstatement of fact.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. January 8, 2025

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS - None Scheduled

5. APPOINTMENTS

a. Police Station Building Committee - Andrew Woodward

6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM

a. New Common Victualler Section 12 Restaurant All Alcoholic Beverages License and Approval of Karan Goswami as the Manager - Kaushik Restaurants Inc. d/b/a Mirchi Indian Cuisine, Located at 14 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038 (Motion to Continue Public Hearing of New Common Victualler Section 12 Restaurant All Alcoholic Beverages License and Approval of Karan Goswami as the Manager - Kaushik Restaurants Inc. d/b/a Mirchi Indian Cuisine to February 5, 2025 at 7:00 pm - Majority Vote)

i. See License Transactions #7a. 

b. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-919: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185 Section 20 of the Code of the Town of Franklin - Signs (at C. 3.) - Continued from January 8, 2025

i. Legislation for Action #9a 

c. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-920: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185 Section 20 of the Code of the Town of Franklin- Signs (at E.2.)  - Continued from January 8, 2025

i. Legislation for Action #9b

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

a. New Common Victualler Section 12 Restaurant All Alcoholic Beverages License and Approval of Karan Goswami as the Manager - Kaushik Restaurants Inc. d/b/a Mirchi Indian Cuisine, Located at 14 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038 (Motion to Continue License Transaction for New Common Victualler Section 12 Restaurant All Alcoholic Beverages License and Approval of Karan Goswami as the Manager - Kaushik Restaurants Inc. d/b/a Mirchi Indian Cuisine to February 5, 2025 at 7:00 pm - Majority Vote)

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Maple Hill and Schmidt Farm Update - Breeka Li Goodlander, Conservation Director

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-919: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185 Section 20 of the Code of the Town of Franklin - Signs (at C. 3.) - First Reading - Continued from January 8, 2025 (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-919 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)

b. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-920: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185 Section 20 of the Code of the Town of Franklin- Signs (at E.2.) - First Reading - Continued from January 8, 2025 (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-920 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)

c. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-917: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185 Section 3 of the Code of the Town of Franklin - Definitions, Accessory Dwelling Units. - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-917 - Roll Call Majority Vote)

d. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-918: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at Chapter 185 Attachment 8, Use Regulations Schedule Part CVII: Accessory Uses - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-918 - Roll Call Majority Vote)

e. Resolution 25-03: Grant of Underground Gas Distribution System Easement, Town Owned Land at Parcel 277-009 (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-03 - ⅔ Majority Vote)

f. Resolution 25-06: Acceptance of Gifts - Senior Center ($170)

(Motion to Approve Resolution 25-06 - Majority Vote)

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Capital Budget Subcommittee

b. Economic Development Subcommittee

c. Budget Subcommittee

d. Master Plan Committee

e. Davis-Thayer Reuse Advisory Committee

f. Police Station Building Committee

g. GATRA Advisory Board

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION

a. Exemption #3: Collective Bargaining (all Town unions) - To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the public body and the chair so declares.

15. ADJOURN

Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

The agenda doc also contains remote participation info

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/2025-01-22_town_council_agenda_1.pdf

New Common Victualler Section 12 Restaurant All Alcoholic Beverages License