1. GENERAL BUSINESS1.1 Public Hearing 3: Town staff will present a draft of the 2023 OSRP and will be seeking feedback from the community.
Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Monday, June 19, 2023
Open Space & Recreation Plan - Public Hearing #3 - June 20, 2023 - 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Thursday, June 15, 2023
The DRAFT 2023 Open Space and Recreation Plan - Open for Public Comment through July 12, 2023
The DRAFT 2023 Open Space and Recreation Plan - Open for Public Comment through July 12, 2023 |
For additional info, please visit the Open Space & Recreation Plan page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/pages/2023-open-space-and-recreation-plan-update
The DRAFT 2023 Open Space and Recreation Plan |
Thursday, May 4, 2023
Board of Health discusses potential changes to tobacco regulations, Health Fair set for May 24 (audio)
This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, May 3, 2023. All three board members participated in person; Harris, Cochrane, & Chair Sweet. Health Dept staff present were in the 3rd floor training room.
Quick Recap:
Chair Bridget Sweet opens meeting with roll call of participants all in person; motion to approve mins of Apr, second, passes 3-0
Old business, tobacco sales regulations discussion on cap, currently at 32, permitted at 21 (?) Reduce, or maintain. No interest in reduction at ...
This time. #boh0503 3 of the 22 are adult only, could have dual caps, i.e. one for full sales, one for adult only. Desire for more info on what the neighboring communities are doing. Qs on 3,13,16,17 for checklist. consensus on unified approach for fines
Level of discretion at Health Dept Director action, should there be more of a graduation clause? i.e. first time one set amount, second more, third more, etc... #boh0502 re: consistency of enforcement shall does better than may
Currently do not have a permit for catering, may consider for future. Discussion on food truck, trailer permit for year vs. time of event #boh0502 discussion on mobile, temporary vs catering, issue with catering going to another town, other local may not want
Discussion on protocol for notification of fee change, hearing notification cost, combine tobacco and body works for one hearing #boh0502 health fair, 5/24 3-6 PM flyers being spread, on Weds at the Library
Health inspection report, 14 inspects, 14 reinspection, Council meeting 4/12 - health nurse report, numbers better around for COVID and flu, vaccine recommendation has been updated #boh0502
Fundraiser for Gaspar family 5/10 at George's. Motion to adjourn, second, passes 3-0
The meeting runs about 52 minutes. Let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting May 3, 2023. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-988-tof-board-of-health-mtg-05-03-23
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The Board of Health agenda can be found ->
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/events/boh_5.3.23_agenda_and_packet.pdf
My notes collected in a Twitter thread PDF ->
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1O8wbpzBkx6blhpAw3Di2eZ_eRZ5Gg_fz/view?usp=share_link
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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 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"
Board of Health discusses potential changes to tobacco regulations, Health Fair set for May 24 (audio) |
Thursday, April 27, 2023
Request for Determination - Grove Street Well 6 - Conservation Commission - May 18
Request for Determination - Grove Street Well 6 - Conservation
Request for Determination - Grove Street Well 6 - Conservation Commission - May 18 |
Wednesday, April 26, 2023
Open Space and Recreation Plan public hearing - 04/25/23 (#2 in series of 3 hearings) (video)
Instead of the School Committee meeting, Franklinites could have participated in the second public hearing scheduled for the Open Space and Recreation Plan on Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at the Senior Center. If you missed the meeting, the video replay is available here thanks to Franklin TV
Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/live/MFMkGHXoj64?feature=share
Agenda & info for this 2nd of three public hearings -> https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/news/2023-open-space-and-recreation-plan-second-public-hearing-tonight
Additional info on the Open Space and Recreation Plan can be found on their main page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/pages/2023-open-space-and-recreation-plan-update
Saturday, April 15, 2023
This Town Council Quarterbacking session gets inside the zoning changes; inclusionary and accessory dwelling units (audio)
FM #972 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 972 in the series.
This shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer in our Town Council Quarterbacking session. This is one of the series of conversations meant to provide a recap of the prior night’s Town 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 Apr 12, 2023:
ok, what just happened?
What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?
We cover the following key topics
Police Station Building Committee
Second readings on lot line changes, the last bulks ones for now
Public hearing on the inclusionary zoning changes back from Planning Board, move to second reading
Accessory dwelling unit bylaw proposals referred to planning board
Budget coming out Friday, hearing schedule set for Finance Cmte May 8, 10, 11 & Council for May 24, 25
Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents released for this meeting are included in the show notes.
Our conversation runs about 32 minutes. Let’s listen to the Town Council Quarterbacking session recorded Apr 13, 2023. Audi file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-972-town-council-quarterbacking-04-13-23
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The agenda doc can also be found on the Town of Franklin page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_-_april_12_2023.pdf
My notes in one PDF file -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OcCY239kVmLdAiMS2FFZSMQyS7JWcCoZ/view?usp=share_link
My quick notes and the meeting video -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/04/town-council-moves-inclusionary-zoning.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/ 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 your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"
This Town Council Quarterbacking session gets inside the zoning changes; inclusionary and accessory dwelling units (audio) |
Friday, April 14, 2023
2023 Open Space and Recreation Plan Second Public Hearing TUESDAY APRIL 25
2023 Open Space and Recreation Plan Second Public Hearing TUESDAY APRIL 25
The second Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP) public hearing is Tuesday, April 25, from 6-8p in the Multi-Purpose Room of the Franklin Senior Center (10 Daniel McCahill Street). Residents are encouraged to attend to hear a presentation of the 2023 OSRP goals and objectives based on resident input from the first public hearing and other outreach mechanisms.
An Agenda for the public hearing can be found here.
Due to the concerns regarding the COVID-19 virus, this Open Space and Recreation Plan Public Hearing is available to be attended in person and via the ZOOM platform. In an effort to ensure citizen engagement, citizens will be able to dial into the meeting using the provided phone number (Cell phone or Landline Required) OR citizens can participate by copying the link (Phone, Computer, or Tablet required).
Please click/copy and paste the link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87216848860 or call on your phone at 929-205-6099, meeting number is 872 1684 8860. If you are having trouble accessing through the link, please call on your phone and use *6 to toggle between mute/unmute and *9 to raise your hand. The public hearing can also be accessed remotely on Franklin TV All-Access channel (Channel 8 Comcast/Channel 26 Verizon).
For residents that do not have cable, the public hearings can be accessed live on the Franklin TV All-Access YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@franklinmaall-accesstv7535.
Can't wait to see you there!
Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/news/2023-open-space-and-recreation-plan-second-public-hearing-tuesday-april-25
2023 Open Space and Recreation Plan Second Public Hearing TUESDAY APRIL 25 |
Notice of Public Hearing - Transfer of Section 15 Wine & Malt Beverages Package Store License
Wednesday, March 29, 2023
Notice of Public Hearing - Modification of Section 12 All Alcoholic Beverages License - Jai Ho Group, Inc. dba The Curry House
Notice of Public Hearing - Modification of Section 12 All Alcoholic Beverages License - Jai Ho Group, Inc. dba The Curry House
Julie McCann
Saturday, February 25, 2023
25 Forge Parkway - Notice of Intent - Conservation
25 Forge Parkway - Notice of Intent - Conservation
Shared from Town of Franklin page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/25_forge_parkway_noi_public_hearing_notice.pdf
25 Forge Parkway - Notice of Intent - Conservation |
Wednesday, February 22, 2023
Watch or listen to the Open Space & Recreation Plan - Public Hearing #1 - 02/21/23 (audio & video)
The Open Space Recreation Plan Public Hearing #1 Agenda was updated on Tuesday to more clearly outline the discussion for the session Feb 21, 2023.
- Member of a mountain biking group looking to help in ways they can
- Bleachers have wide spaces at the top that could allow a small child to slip through
- Suggestion on signage to remind folks (i.e. drivers) to share the road with bikers
- Discussion on kayak access for the Charles, there is access at Beaver Pond, may also eventually be at DelCarte, also evaluation of a kiosk to help with rental of kayaks
- Comment on citizen awareness of open space, AgCom (Agriculture Commission) also working on that awareness,; the amount of salt in the water supply is increasing, we need to look at that...
- from Mark (last name?), thanks for whomever did successfully make the open space purchases
- A question to be addressed is how to balance maintaining the forest area at Maple Hill and yet provide access to the trail network there in a minimalist manner
- ADA self assessment being planned for all Town and School facilities
- Rec Dept had reached out to scouting groups pre-COVID to see if some trail maintenance could be organized, would like to bring that back to the forefront!
- Remember to respond to the survey, approx. 250+ so far
- Next public hearing scheduled for Apr 25 will review objectives for the plan draft
Watch or listen to the Open Space & Recreation Plan - Public Hearing #1 - 02/21/23 (audio & video) |
Planning Board & Town Council public hearings scheduled for Inclusionary Zoning bylaw changes
Planning Board & Town Council public hearings scheduled for Inclusionary Zoning bylaw changes |
Tuesday, February 21, 2023
UPDATED -> Open Space Recreation Plan Public Hearing Agenda - February 21, 2023 - 6 PM
1.1 Review, purpose, and benefits of the update1.2 Process, schedule, and opportunities for public participation and feedback1.2.1 OSRP survey1.2.2 Bi-weekly stakeholder sessions in conjunction with Conservation Commission meetings, including:• Schmidt Farm (Feb 23)• Riverbend Conservation Area (Mar 9)• Maple Hill (Mar 23)1.2.3 Public hearings• Feb 21 (tonight): Overview and review of progress from the prior (2016) update• Apr 25: Goals and objectives of the 2023 update• Jun 20: Review and feedback on the draft 2023 plan update1.3 Introduction to key Town staff
2.1 Recreational facilities (i.e., Beaver Pond, Dacey, Fletcher, King Street Memorial, Meadowlark, Nason Street, Pirelli Veterans Arena, Pisani Field, Rec. Dept.)2.2 Conservation facilities/areas (i.e., DelCarte, Franklin State Forest, Franklin Town Forest, Indian Rock, Maple Hill, Metacomet Land Trust, Riverbend Conservation Area, Sculpture Park, SNETT)2.3 School facilities (i.e., Davis Thayer, Dean College, Oak/Horace Mann/Franklin High School, Helen Keller/Annie Sullivan, Jefferson Remington, JFK, Parmenter, Tri-County)
3.1 Increase public awareness of Open Space and Recreation opportunities in Franklin• Signage• Educational and/or outdoor programs• Assist schools and other organizations with environmental science, conservation and sustainability education• Encourage volunteer efforts to steward natural resources, promote awareness/utilization of Open Spaces, and foster a community sense of identification with the land and resources3.2 Preserve and enhance existing Town Open Space resources• Accessibility• Plan for prioritization and acquisition of Chapter 61/61A/61B properties• Prioritize Town-owned land for development and approval of Conservation Restrictions• Increase permanent funding to preserve, maintain, and increase Open Space resources3.3 Maximize recreational opportunities to meet the community’s evolving needs by maintain current inventory of facilities and programs and by providing new facilities and programs for both active and passive recreation• Maintain and improve current recreational areas and provide new recreational opportunities• Increase usage of existing recreational space and modify existing spaces as the Town’s needs evolve• Develop access points for canoes, kayaks, and boats to utilize the Charles River and Mine Brook• Increase connectivity to and between Franklin’s Conservation Areas and Open Space• Work with the Department of Conservation and Recreation to increase access to the SNETT and State Forest Trail• Seek out a site and develop a youth center3.4 Protect natural, historical, and cultural resources and maintain Franklin’s New England character• Protect priority habitats and enhance biodiversity• Adoption of the Cultural Preservation Act• Implement growth management techniques that will help to preserve the Town’s natural, historical, and cultural resources3.5 Preserve and protect the Town’s water resources• Prioritize water bodies for ecological studies• Implement recommendations in DelCarte Ecological Study• Minimize the use of pesticides and salt to maintain the health of the Town’s surface and groundwater resource areas
Franklin Conservation Commission: OSRP Public Hearing Agenda - Feb 21 - 6 PM
Tuesday ->
Franklin Conservation Commission: OSRP Public Hearing Agenda - February 21, 2023 - 6 PM |
Sunday, February 19, 2023
Franklin Conservation Commission: OSRP Public Hearing Agenda - February 21, 2023 - 6 PM
1.1 Public Hearing
1: Attendees will learn more about the Open Space and Recreation Plan and review the progress from the previous 2016 OSRP.
Franklin Conservation Commission: OSRP Public Hearing Agenda - February 21, 2023 - 6 PM |