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!

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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"

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

Notice of Public Hearing - New Section 12 All Alcoholic Beverages License Kaushik Restaurants, Inc. d/b/a Mirchi Indian Cuisine

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

FRANKLIN, MA

New Section 12 All Alcoholic Beverages License

Kaushik Restaurants, Inc. d/b/a Mirchi Indian Cuisine

The Franklin Town Council will hold a Public Hearing on an application by Kaushik Restaurants, Inc. d/b/a Mirchi Indian Cuisine, located at 14 E. Central St., Franklin for a new Section 12 All Alcoholic Beverages License. 

This hearing will be held on January 22, 2025 at 7:00 PM and will provide an opportunity for public input. 

Location: 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 January 17, 2025 for updated meeting information. For questions, please call the Town Administrator’s Office at (508) 520-4949.

Submitted by,

Julie McCann

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/2025-01-22_legal_ad_-_mirchi_liquor_license_-_legal_ad.pdf

Notice of Public Hearing - New Section 12 All Alcoholic Beverages License Kaushik Restaurants, Inc. d/b/a Mirchi Indian Cuisine

Notice of Public Hearing - Acceptance of Portion of September Drive and Countryside Lane and Related Drainage Lots and Easements - Feb 5, 2025

Pursuant to Chapter 163 of the Legislative Acts of 2011, The Franklin Town Council will hold a public hearing to determine whether it is in the public interest to accept the following named roads as public ways, together with related drainage lots and easements.

September Drive from Station 0+00 at its intersection with Prospect Street to Station 11+94, currently a private roadway, and Countryside Lane for its entire length, and drainage lots Parcels A & B and four drainage easements, as shown on a definitive subdivision plan approved under the subdivision control law by Franklin Planning Board and recorded in the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds in Plan Book 521 Pages 67-68 (the “Subdivision Plan”), and also shown on the two-page street acceptance plan entitled “Acceptance Plan Countryside Estates Franklin Massachusetts, September Drive and Countryside Lane”, prepared by Guerriere & Halnon, Inc., 55 West Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038 and dated August 11, 2024 (the “Street Acceptance Plan”), available for inspection in the Town Planning Department.

The public hearing will take place during the Town Council Public Meeting beginning at 7:00 pm on February 5, 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 January 31, 2025.  

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

 Submitted by,

Julie McCann

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/legal-notices/agenda/notice-public-hearing-acceptance-portion-september-drive-and-countryside-lane

Notice of Public Hearing - Acceptance of Portion of September Drive and Countryside Lane and Related Drainage Lots and Easements - Feb 5, 2025

This Town Council quarterbacking session condenses the Council meeting of Weds, Jan 8, 2025 (audio)

FM #1350 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1350 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 9, 2024.  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

a. Franklin Ridge Senior Affordable Housing Project Update - Bryan Taberner, Director of

Department of Planning and Community

Construction to commence later this summer, after Town finishes its infrastructure work

b. Residential Development & Subsidized Housing Inventory (SHI, aka Chapter 40B) Update - Bryan Taberner, Director of Department of Planning and Community

At 10.86% (the guideline is more than 10%) 

A summary of what’s approved and or in the planning process

Over 1,000 housing units, approx. 400 would be “Affordable”

"A 1% increase in new supply; i) lowers average rents by 0.19%, ii) effectively reduces rents of lower-quality units, & iii) disproportionately increases the number of second-hand units available for rent. Moreover, the impact on rents is equally strong in high-demand markets."

Institute for Employment Research, A German federal agency

A study on secondary housing, or the domino effect of what new housing does to existing stock and population movement within the existing stock

Legislation for action:

• 2 bylaws to enable to Town work on Franklin Ridge

• 2 bylaws to bring to compliance with State law on ADUs

• 2 bylaws on signs deferred to Jan 22

• Resolution 25-01: Acceptance of Gifts - Senior Center ($1,672), Veterans Department ($3,125) 

Town Administrator Report reveal the home rule piece was approved to exempt the Town from posting legal notices in print editions of the newspaper

The recording runs about 30 minutes. 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-1350-town-council-quarterbacking-01-09-25/

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Franklin TV video  -> https://www.youtube.com/live/7dQWhWlHRW0?&t=208 

Agendas for Town Council meeting ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/tc_agenda_1.8.25.pdf 

Screen grabs of the presentation on housing (40b) ->    https://photos.app.goo.gl/pR2DTs2eaifKxWFo9

My set of notes in one PDF ->  

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1S-qr25XiQvmFi_gBNBvjrwUaeoK2ZukH/view?usp=drive_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

• 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"

This Town Council quarterbacking session condenses the Council meeting of Weds, Jan 8, 2025 (audio)