Town Council approves capital budget, new victualier license, gives final approval to sign bylaw changes & water/sewer connections for Franklin Ridge (video)

The Franklin (MA) Town Council met as scheduled on Wednesday, Feb 5, 2025. Seven members were participating in Council Chambers and 2 absent.

Franklin TV video is ready for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/4rx-pHX5q_Q?&t=161

The Agenda doc and most materials released for this session ->   https://franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02052025-1546

Quick recap:

• Fire Department - Promotions, i.Captain Matthew Kelly & ii.Lieutenant Jeffrey Ward
• Hearings Opened and Closed with passage of the applicable legislation by same 7-0-2 (2 absent) votes
• Public hearing: 1 - Order of Layout, Acceptance, and Taking of September Drive and Countryside Lane and Drainage Lots Parcels A and B and Easements
• Public hearing: 2 - 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
• Presentation on the ALS/BLS Trends - EMS Battalion Chief Billy “Numbers” Blanchard, EMS Captain Laurie Kaye
• Adoption of the 2025 Master Plan for the Town of Franklin
• By law, the Planning Board is the only approval required, given the amount of work required - 295 page document - https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4018/Final-Report
• The next legislative items were all approved by the same 7-0-2 (2 absent)
• Resolution 25-04: Capital Improvement Plan
• Resolution 25-02: Statewide Opioid Settlement Fund Appropriation
• 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.) - Second Reading
• 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.) - Second Reading
• Bylaw Amendment 25-922: Amendment to Sewer System Map - Second Reading (for Franklin Ridge)
• Bylaw Amendment 25-923: Amendment to Water System Map - Second Reading (for Franklin Ridge)

Fire Dept presentation on call volume leading to an increase in ambulance rates

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4402/Fire-EMS-Presentation-2525?bidId=

My notes in one PDF file ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Z9V6bpd4oFls9lbGgb1nzVoDhi8wu6cV/view?usp=drive_link

Town Council passes final vote on 2 sign bylaws, approved restaurant alcohol license for Mirchi, and capital spending (video

The Franklin (MA) Town Council met on Wednesday Feb 5, 2025 at 7 PM as scheduled. 7 members were present in Council Chambers 2 were absent.

Franklin TV video is available -> https://www.youtube.com/live/4rx-pHX5q_Q?si=JcxjxebgojG3FKTS&t=160

The meeting agenda and supportiing materials ->   https://franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02052025-1546

My full set of notes in one PDF   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Z9V6bpd4oFls9lbGgb1nzVoDhi8wu6cV/view?usp=drive_link

Fire dept personnel presenting on ambulance call volume and proposed fee change

Franklin MA: Town Council agenda for Feb 5, 2025 meeting

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

February 5, 2025 - 7 PM

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 22, 2025   https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4308/_-January-22-2025-TC-Meeting-Minutes--Draft-for-Reviewdocx---Google-Docs

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

a. Fire Department - Promotions

i. Captain Matthew Kelly

ii. Lieutenant Jeffrey Ward

5. APPOINTMENTS - None Scheduled

 

6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM

a. Order of Layout, Acceptance, and Taking of September Drive and Countryside Lane and Drainage Lots Parcels A and B and Easements

i. Legislation for Action Item 9a   

b. 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 - Continued from January 22, 2025

i. License Transaction Item 7a

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 - Continued from January 22, 2025

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION 

a. ALS/BLS Trends - EMS Battalion Chief Billy “Numbers” Blanchard, EMS Captain Laurie Kaye

i. Legislation for Action Item 9b.

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 25-07: Order of Layout, Acceptance, and Taking of September Drive and Countryside Lane and Drainage Lots Parcels A and B and Easements

(Motion to Approve Resolution 25-07 - ⅔ Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4306/9a-RESOLUTION-25-07---Street-Acceptance---September-Dr-and-Countryside-Ln

b. Bylaw Amendment 25-924: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Fees, Municipal Service - First Reading

(Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-924 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4303/9b-25-924_-Ch-82-Municipal-Service-Fees---Comstar-New-Rates

c. Resolution 25-10: Adoption of the 2025 Master Plan for the Town of Franklin

(Motion to Approve Resolution 25-10 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/4302/9c--25-10---Master-Plan-Approval

d. Resolution 25-04: Capital Improvement Plan (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-04 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/4309/9d-FY25-Capital-Improvement-Plan

e. Resolution 25-02: Statewide Opioid Settlement Fund Appropriation

(Motion to Approve Resolution 25-02 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/4310/9e-Opioid

f. 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.) - Second Reading

(Motion to Approve Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-919 - ⅔ Majority Roll Call Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/4314/9f-24-919-Signs

g. 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.) - Second Reading

(Motion to Approve Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-920 - ⅔ Majority Roll Call Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/4315/24-920-signs

h. Bylaw Amendment 25-922: Amendment to Sewer System Map - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 25-922 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/4316/9h-Sewer-and-Water-Maps---Veterans-Memorial-Dr-1

i. Bylaw Amendment 25-923: Amendment to Water System Map - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 25-923 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/4317/9i-1---BYLAW-AMENDMENT-25-923---Water-System-Map---Veterans-Memorial-Dr

j. Resolution 25-08: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44, §53F3/4 (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-08 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/4318/9j---25-08-PEG

k. Resolution 25-09: Acceptance of Gifts - Senior Center ($50), Veterans’ ($2,550), & Recreation ($8,405) (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-09 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/4319/9k-GIFTS

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

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/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02052025-1546

New Common Victualler Section 12 Restaurant All Alcoholic Beverages License - Mirchi

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

Franklin TV: Joe Landry presents on Restaurants and Bars (video)

Joe Landry presented on Restaurants and Bars in Franklin at the Franklin Senior Center. Franklin TV produced the video recording for replay.

Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMozn1LGDnI

Franklin TV: Joe Landry presents on Restaurants and Bars (video)

Teddy Gallagher's closed on Sundays for August 2024, reopening Sundays, Sep 8, 2024

Via Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub 

"Teddy’s will be Closed on Sundays for the rest of the Summer. We will re-open Sundays on 9/8. 

More exciting details to follow…"

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/C-GPyLUxswI/

Teddy Gallagher's closed on Sundays for August 2024, reopening Sundays, Sep 8, 2024

Restaurant Expo scheduled for Sep 27 at the Franklin Library

Join us on September 27, 2023 from 2 PM - 5 PM at the Franklin Public Library for the Franklin Restaurant Expo. 

The Franklin Restaurant Expo allows for food service/restaurant and hospitality industry professionals to connect with a variety of vendors in the region.

Exhibitors: have the opportunity to showcase their products. service, connect with potential customers, and expand their business reach all under one roof!

Attendees: Restaurant owners, chefs, managers and other change makers in the culinary and hospitality industry won't want to miss out on this FREE opportunity to unlock innovative solutions and top-quality ingredients, products, or services to optimize, improve or diversify their offerings.

There is no cost to vendors, however, exhibit space is limited. Vendors interested in participating may contact Cassia Monteiro via email at cmonteiro@metacometpha.org or by calling 508-613-1341 to reserve a table.

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department/events/436466

Restaurant Expo scheduled for Sep 27 at the Franklin Library

Milford Local Eatery Week Starts Monday, July 24

EATERY WEEK SCHEDULED FOR LAST WEEK OF JULY IN MILFORD, MA

 

Milford is working up an appetite for its second annual Local Eatery Week scheduled for Monday, July 24, 2023 through Friday, July 30, 2023.  A celebration of local community and cuisine.

 

 "Unlike other "restaurant weeks", ours is open to all businesses that serve edible treats. The only catch is that all eateries must be locally owned and operated.  We want to spotlight those who live in, and give back to, our communities", said Ray Auger, event organizer and President of Local Social Marketing.

 

During the week-long event participating eateries will be offering special deals to promote their business during a traditionally slow time of the year.  Special offers include half price appetizers, dinners offered at a special price, BOGOs and more. Diners who care to take advantage of the special offers are asked to download the coupons found on the Local Social Facebook page (www.facebook.com/localsocialmetrowest) on their mobile device and show the coupon to the server from your phone to enjoy the savings.

 

Current participating locations for this year include: Pepperoncini's Pizzeria and Grill, Central Tavern, Prezo Grill and Bar, Legend and The Oasis Patio at the DoubleTree, Red Heat Tavern, PiNZ, Milford Nutrition and Pizza Palace with more to come.

 

Local Social offers affordable and local social media management and branding for small businesses in the Greater Milford and MetroWest areas. Specializing in developing one on one relationships with small businesses with the intent to build a solid local customer base while staying "top of mind" with current clientele in fun, creative ways with a guerilla marketing approach.

Milford Local Eatery Week Starts Monday, July 24

phantom gourmet visits the Raillery in Franklin (video)

"The appetizers at The Raillery are no joke, with options like the Firecracker Shrimp glazed in a housemade sweet chili sauce, an eye-popping Charcuterie Pretzel, and overloaded skillet nachos."

Video link -> https://youtu.be/VFU-xFfKF7I 

Check out the Raillery in person at the Franklin Village Mall or online ->   https://raillerypub.com/

Teddy Gallagher's: Kids Christmas Party - Dec 11

Fun for the whole family this Sunday Noon - 5!

• Irish Step Dancers at 1 PM
• Pix with Santa from 2-4 PM

• Ice cream soda station for the kids
• Bloody Mary’s and Mimosa’s for the adults

 

Shared from Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/p/Cl168lLvbO8/

Teddy Gallagher's: Kids Christmas Party - Dec 11

Board of Health hears about chicken coop encroachment issue; no new housing inspections, 1 COVID death in May (audio)

FM #811 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 811 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, June 1, 2022. One board member was in the 3rd floor training room along with Health Dept staff. The other two members participated remotely. All votes were via roll call.

The meeting runs about 30 minutes. Let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting June 1, 2022.

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-811-town-of-franklin-board-of-health-mtg-06-01-22

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

Agenda document ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/boh_agenda_06012022_3.pdf 

My notes collected in a Twitter thread PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yMfZYjMA6weyYUsAn_0ExswMcKcDhM19/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"

https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department/webforms/covid-19-dashboard-portal

Alumni Restaurant not to reopen

Sad news on the small and local business front, the Alumni Restaurant will not be reopening and is being put up for sale. The owner's note to the patrons shared here.

On the other hand, there is an opportunity for someone who would like to operate a restaurant!

Shared from Facebook ->   https://www.facebook.com/204307558091/posts/10160476432138092/

Alumni Restaurant not to reopen

This "Talk Franklin" episode: Jamie Hellen covers ISO Class 1, licenses, storm water fee, ARPA, and more (audio)

FM #771 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 771 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen. We had our conversation via the Zoom Conference Bridge.

Conversation around the following topics: 

ISO Class-1 Announcement, Franklin Fire Department

 

LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

a. License Modification: Change of Location - Pour Richard’s Wine and Spirits

b. License Modification: Alteration of Premises - 3 Restaurant

c. New Section 12 Restaurant Common Victualer All Alcohol License and Approval of Veronika Matunin as the Manager - Birchwood Bakery

More restaurants operating now than pre-pandemic, so fortunate

 

PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSIONS

·   Presentation: ARPA Update - Town Administrator Jamie Hellen

 

Legislation

·   Storm water fee – final approval

·   Passport photo fee

Community Needs Discussion Forums (Franklin Senior Center) Tuesday April 12th at 6pm

Outlook for Council agenda

The recording runs about 30 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie as we “Talk Franklin”. Audio file -> https://anchor.fm/letstalkfranklin/episodes/Fire-Department-Accolades--Restaurant-Revitalization-and-New-Legislation-e1h31v3/a-a7o97t4

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

Town of Franklin meeting calendar -> https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar 

ARPA accounted for -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/pages/pandemic-related-stimulus-funds 

Town budget page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget

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

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"

Storm water fee comes back to Council among items in this "Talk Franklin" with Jamie Hellen (audio)

Town Council hears of ISO Class 1 for Fire Dept, approves storm water fee, passport fee, and ARPA funding allocation (audio)

FM #769 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 769 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, April  6, 2022. 

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: members of the Town Council and Town Administration personnel 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.

Quick recap:

• Fire department achieves ISO Class 1 rating, only one of 9 in MA and one of 15 in New England to do so. Contact your insurance company. Whether a business or residence, there could be a savings with this higher rating on insurance policies. Doc on Fire Department web page to send to company to support the potential savings.

• 2 new hires for Fire Dept sworn in. These are experienced firefighters coming from other areas to backfill open positions with the Fire Dept.

• Three alcohol license approvals were voted on. One to approve the move of Pour Richards, one to approve the permanent set up of outdoor dining at 3 Restaurant, and one to approve a license for the Birchwood Bakery & Café downtown. As a sign of how well Franklin has survived the pandemic, we now have more restaurant liquor licenses post pandemic than we did pre-pandemic.

• Town Administrator Jamie Hellen provided an update on ARPA funds and how they would be allocated. Council approved the allocation which will now be submitted to the County for disbursement of the funds. Some of the $10M allocated to Franklin (approx. $2M) comes directly to the Town, some (approx. $6M) comes through the County.

• The second approval for the storm water utility fee was approved. The fee will first appear in July 2023 (FY 2024). There is time to confirm your impervious coverage area (see the town storm water page) and order a rain barrel to help with mitigation of storm water and save on the potential fee.

• Passport photo fee was approved so the Town when processing your passport application can now provide a ‘one-stop’ shop service. The photo fee is $10 per photo. The fee for the passport is set at the Federal level.

The recording runs under two hours (1:58). The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda. Let’s listen to the Town Council meeting of April 6, 2022. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-769-town-council-meeting-04-06-22

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

Agenda document ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/april_6_2022_town_council_agenda.pdf

My notes from the meeting  ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/14KnmcHPUOPMAUQ7TgXS8YMvDbUHTxTGa/view?usp=sharing 

Photos from the meeting can be found in one album -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/Zr6wAJwNbr61Yhob6

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

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"

 

Firefighter Michael Eaton getting pinned by his daughter