Town Council approves Committee appointments, RFP for South Meeting House, and tables parking bylaw amendment to clear way for updated version (audio)

FM #853 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 853 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town Council meeting held in Council Chambers on Wednesday, September 28, 2022. All 9 members of the Council were present in the Council Chambers.

• Appointments

a. Agricultural Commission - Daniel Morse

b. Conservation Commission - Meghann Hagen

c. Council on Aging - Kimberly Mu-Chow

d. Finance Committee - Michael Hamilton

• Approved Request for Proposals for Town Property Containing "South Franklin Congregational Meeting House"

• Voted to table Bylaw Amendment 22-880 as a newer version of that is coming in the next meeting

• Municipal aggregation protects Franklin residents from the proposed NationalGrid electric rate increase

• Touch a truck – Oct 15 (10 AM to 2 PM)

• Red Brick School exterior renovation underway

• State flag resolution request – Oct 19 state legislation (Roy, Rausch, & Spilka) visits Council

• Harvest Festival – Sat Oct 1, rain date Oct 2

• Chair recused himself, Vice-Chair took Council into Executive Session not to return to open meeting

The recording runs about 55 minutes, so let’s listen to the Town Council meeting on September 28, 2022.

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-853-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-09-28-22

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Meeting agenda =>    

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/september_28_town_council_mtg_agenda.pdf 

My notes -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eAHa49OpU8nK1RDzU42n74iDy77-smig/view?usp=sharing 

The meeting video is also available for viewing on YouTube  https://youtu.be/oZ84NlUKaNE 

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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"

Old South Meeting House, Washington St

Direction for Issuance of Request for Proposals for Town Property Containing “South Franklin Congregational Meeting House”

September 23, 2022

To: Town Council

From: Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator

Alecia Alleyne, Assistant to the Town Administrator

Re: Resolution 22-61: Direction for Issuance of Request for Proposals for Town Property Containing “South Franklin Congregational Meeting House” Located at 762 Washington Street

________________________________________________________________

The action before the Council is to allow the Town Administration to release a Request for Proposals on the South Franklin Meeting House, which will include a provision for both a permanent affordable housing restriction and a historic preservation restriction.

At the July 20th Town Council meeting there was a discussion regarding the disposition of the Town-owned land that contains the South Franklin Meeting House, and Council decided to accept the recommendation from the EDC to move forward with affordable housing.

As a reminder, an Expression of Interest went out for a two month period in the Spring to see if there were any interested parties willing to take on this preservation project. The Town received two formal, non-binding written proposals. At the May EDC meeting, the committee weighed both proposals, in addition to other qualitative information from the two open houses, and had a detailed discussion. They voted 3-1 (Yes: Hamblen, Jones and Frongillo; No: Sheridan) to recommend to the full Town Council to instruct the staff to put an RFP out for parties to bid on affordable housing projects only.

The Expressions of Interest we received are attached, as is the Solicitation Document that was posted on the Town website.

Please see below for links to related materials:

● 2020 Old South Church Existing Conditions report   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/20-0930_sfmh_existing_conditions_report_issued_2.pdf

● 2015 Old South Church Existing Conditions report   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/old_south_meeting_house_on_washington_street_1.pdf

● Old South Church document website   https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator/pages/special-projects

Please let us know if you have any questions.

Note: This is one of the key items on the Town Council agenda for Sep 28, 2022   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/september_28_town_council_mtg_agenda.pdf

Old South Meeting House, Washington St

Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for Meeting scheduled Sep 28, 2022

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

September 28, 2022 - 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 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.

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. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. August 17, 2022   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/3a._august_17_2022_tc_meeting_minutes_-draft_for_review.pdf

b. September 7, 2022   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/3b._september_7_2022_tc_meeting_minutes_-draft_for_review.pdf

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

5. APPOINTMENTS

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/5._appointments.pdf

a. Agricultural Commission - Daniel Morse

b. Conservation Commission - Meghann Hagen

c. Council on Aging - Kimberly Mu-Chow

d. Finance Committee - Michael Hamilton

6. HEARINGS - 7:00 pm - None Scheduled.

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled.

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION - None Scheduled.

 

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 22-61: Direction for Issuance of Request for Proposals for Town Property Containing "South Franklin Congregational Meeting House" Located at 762 Washington Street (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-61 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9a._old_south_church_rfp.pdf

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

a. Bylaw Amendment 22-880: Chapter 170, Vehicles and Traffic, Article IV, Stopping, Standing and Parking, §170-15 Parking Prohibitions and Limitations, D. Parking Prohibited, Downtown Parking Map

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Capital Budget Subcommittee

b. Budget Subcommittee

c. Economic Development Subcommittee

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION

a. Considering the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property, because an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the Public Body

i. Schmidt’s Farm, Prospect Street

15. ADJOURN

Agenda doc (includes remote connection info) ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/september_28_town_council_mtg_agenda.pdf

Old South Meeting House, Washington St

School Committee Space Needs working on vendor RFP evaluations

The Franklin Public Schools, School Committee - Space Needs Subcommittee met on Thursday afternoon, Aug 25, at 2:00 PM.  My notes taken during the meeting while participating remotely are as follows:

Quick Recap: 

• Discussion on recap of what got them to this point, three proposal out for evaluation by team members, need to evaluate the specifics of the proposed process then look at the dollars associated with the proposals to make an overall recommendation. Individuals to complete their evals by 9/5, Miriam to compile for subcommittee to review at next meeting (9/13) and prepare recommendation for full committee to review at the 9/27 meeting.
• Discussion on stakeholders to ensure appropriate representation of community segments, likely to request via a form for participation on such working group to have ready when vendor selection is complete so they can move forward. Expectation setting for stakeholders on work required and overall timeline for work to be completed (report Mar to May) for School Committee to decide before end of 2023 school year (June 2023). (Implementation timeline would be part of approval/decision but likely to be at least a year away from decision.)

participants (either by voice or view - I joined a couple of minutes late) 

Chair Al Charles, E Stokes, D Spencer, L Giguere, M Goodman

Chair Al Charles began with a recap of prior actions of the subcommittee.

RFP proposals being evaluated by core team, between 15&27, to SchCmte for approval, and then to contract

Proposal evaluation includes two aspects, one for specifics, a second for the dollars, only evaluation on the work proposed before getting to the dollars, layer the $s in later

Reference checks on the proposals put forward, individuals can do so, as well as the procurement office, to be accumulated by Lucas to avoid open meeting law (OML) issues

Clarification questions on process: Dollar amounts determine level of involvement, between $10-50k, RFP allows for evaluation of separate proposals; Discussion on background of RFI vs RFP processing, out to bid can force acceptance of lowest 'qualified' bidder - qualifications need to be specified in the bid proposal process

Discussion on time to read, review, Lucas example of about an hour; individuals would be to be done by 5th, the Subcomm to meet the week of the 12th, to allow for review, etc, before SchCom meeting on the 27th where this would be up for discussion and approval

Redistricting cmte discussion (examples of stakeholder groups)

• Subcom
• Facility's
• Parents of each sch
• Town Council rep
• 3 non parent members (possible prior parents of redistricting)

Size problem with logistics, steering committee and communications absolutely required

Approx 30 as proposed

Target for a Mar to May report timeline, with recommendations by SchCom before end of school year

Discussion on school start time large group and multiple subcommittees, a different process

Setting expectations up front will be key, keeping all informed is important, it will be a lot of info to review and discuss, so over communication is better than missing someone/something

Clarity, and nonbinding req for responses, tied to release of info on process outline

There will be other resources as needed to provide specific data details as they arise

Next meeting, Sep 13 at 6:00 to 6:45pm

Possible agenda topics: 

• Compilation of RFP data
• Questionnaire draft
• Comms draft
• Determine timeline targets, consultant approval at the 27th meeting, then contract required
• Laying foundation for the work to set up for the real work

The published agenda is here:

• Call to Order
• Recap of Events
• Review RFP process and Timeline
• Advisory Committee Planning
• Adjourn

Complete agenda including remote connection info ->

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/spaceneedssubcom-8_25_22.pdf

School Committee Space Needs working on vendor RFP evaluations

EDC decides 3-1 to recommend residential use case for RFP for Old South Meeting House to Town Council (audio)

FM #805 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 805 in the series. 

This session of the radio show is the audio recording of the Franklin, MA Economic Development Subcommittee meeting conducted on Thursday, May 26, 2022. All four members of the subcommittee were eventually present and participated in the vote. 

Town Administrator Jamie Hellen informed the subcommittee their objective in the meeting was not to pick a proposal but to determine a use case if we were to go forward with an RFP. After much discussion including input from representatives of the two expressions of interests actually received (some dozens of inquiries were also made), the recommendation was put forward to propose an RFP for residential housing, preferably affordable housing. The motion passed 3-1. The nay had attempted to amend the motion to include religious use but the amendment request was not seconded (hence it died).

The meeting runs about 65 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-805-economic-development-subcmte-mtg-05-26-22

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Agenda:

1. Expressions of Interest results for the Old South Church on Washington Street

a. Expressions of Interest submitted   

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/expressions_of_interest.pdf

b. Expression of Interest solicitation document  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/news/2022_request_for_eoi_-_762_washington_street_-_03072022.pdf

c. 2020 Old South Church Existing Conditions report  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/20-0930_sfmh_existing_conditions_report_issued_2.pdf

d. 2015 Old South Church Existing Conditions report  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/old_south_meeting_house_on_washington_street_1.pdf

e. Old South Church document website  

https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator/pages/special-projects

Agenda doc ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2022-05-26_edc_agenda_.pdf

   

My notes via Twitter -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rMeilXyVIDewCp5grfWXsKm1RrV2KmKI/view?usp=sharing 

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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!

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

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

South Franklin Congregational Meeting House

Request for Proposal - Computer Aided Dispatch Software

The Metacomet Emergency Communications Center (MECC) invites qualified vendors that manufacture and provide direct training, maintenance and support of their own Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) software to submit responses at their own expense to this Request for Proposals (RFP).

Read more: http://www.franklinma.gov/node/149333

This is an automatic message from Town of Franklin MA

You can find the full RFP here
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/cad_rfp_final_11-26-17.pdf

Facebook photo for MECC

Franklin Town Council Recap - Sep 27, 2017

The Town Council approved land for sale (NuStyle), land for sale (Summer St to the abutter), approved the zoning change for the Union/Cottage St area, appointed a new Treasurer/Collector, held a public hearing on a bylaw amendment to correct inconsistencies in setback requirements, approved the corporate move on the liquor license for 99 Restaurant, approved funding for the rework of the police radio system for the north end of town and the purchase of a new canine (to replace Axe). These are among the key items from the Council meeting held on Wednesday, Sep 27, 2017.

The budget changes and the funding approvals had been before the Finance Committee (Tuesday, Sep 26) and gained their approval. 

The appointment of Kerri Bertone had been foretold in the move in August 2016 with her hiring as the Deputy Treasurer. The move in 2016 had been question by Debbie Pellegri who questioned the move and hiring again this time and was joined in the action by Judy Pfeffer. Both of these councilors voted against in the measure that passed by a 7-2 vote.

map showing the zoning change for the Union/Cottage street area

map showing the location of the NuStyle brown fields property on Grove St being put up via RFP for sale

The official "Actions Taken" report from the Town Council for Weds meeting
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/town_council_actions_taken_for_september_27_2017.pdf

Additional details can be found in my notes captured while reporting live during the meeting on Weds. 

• Live reporting: Closing items
• Live reporting: Legislation for Action
• Live reporting: License transaction for 99 Restaur...
• Live Reporting: Public Hearing - Bylaw amendment o...
• Live reporting: Town Council - Sep 27, 2017

From the archives:

In the Council Comments from Town Council meeting held 8/10/17, Debbie Pellegri raised questions about the appointment of the Deputy Treasurer/Collector reported to be passing over someone else in the office who was reported to be 'qualified'

In the video on demand archive, the Council meeting can be found here

http://view.earthchannel.com/PlayerController.aspx?&PGD=franknma&eID=382

Got to about 1:05 (one hour, five minutes) to catch the comments

The Franklin Matters meeting notes link for summary of 8/10/17

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/08/town-council-actions-taken-august-10.html

Economic Development Committee - meeting audio - Aug 9, 2017

FM #131

This internet radio show or podcast is number 131 in the series for Franklin Matters. This captured the audio recording of the Economic Development Committee (EDC) meeting held August 9, 2017.

EDC Chair Andy Bissanti opens the meeting ad after some discussion on the two agenda items with approval to bring them to the Town Council as formal proposals, the meeting adjourned..

Worthy of note, there were additional councilors in the room when Council Chair Matt Kelly stopped by just before the meeting. Tom Mercer got up and left, Debbie Pellegri remained. This becomes an item towards the end of the meeting when Debbie tries to ask a question. Per Peter Padula, a Town Councilor, not a member of the committee, can be present in the meeting as long as they do not take any active part in the meeting. THey can only observe. If they take part, then their presence can raise a question on whether the Council has enough members for a quorum. As there are four Town Councilors on the Committee (Chair Bissanti, Padula, Vallee, and Pfeffer), another participating Town Councilor raise the participation to five which is sufficient for a Town Council meeting.

Without further ado, here is the recording

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This brings the recording of the Economic Development Committee (EDC) meeting held August 9, 2017 to a close..

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but I can't do it alone. I can use your help.

How can you help?

If you like this, please tell your friends and neighbors.
If you don't like this, please let me know.

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements.
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!



The notes for the meeting were also published here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/08/economic-development-committee-quick.html

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You can also subscribe and listen to the audio on iTunes = search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters on iTunes

Economic Development Committee - Quick Twitter Recap - Aug 9

The full set of notes and the recording will be made available shortly. In the meantime, here are the notes I posted via Twitter for the Economic Development Committee meeting held on Aug 9, just before the Town Council meeting also that night.

EDC meeting about to begin #edc0809

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) August 9, 2017

Inconsistencies in accessories setback, one place says 10, another says 15. Deciding to get this resolved to say 10 in all places #edc0809

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) August 9, 2017

Proposal to offer the land for minimal sale with caveat that buyer recovers the brown land per revs #edc0809 lot 22 on map pic.twitter.com/98KldicPn6

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) August 9, 2017

Advantages to private owner over gov't owner could be a compelling item for the right buyer at the right price #edc0809

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) August 9, 2017

Proposal to bring Nu-style property RFP to Town Council, passed. #edc0809

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) August 9, 2017

photo of the map handed out at the meeting showing the Nu-Style property as Lot 22 

Economic Development Committee - Agenda - Aug 9

The Economic Development Committee (EDC) is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, August 9 at 6:15 PM. There are two items on the published agenda. (1) review accessory building set back bylaws (2) review Nu-Style RFP.

Franklin Municipal Building site of most of the Board and Committee meetings,
Rm 205 is the site of the EDC meeting Aug 9

Pond St community takes exception to Councilor comments

Several members of the Pond St community took the opportunity to make their presence and feelings known at the Town Council meeting on Wednesday. During the Citizen Comment portion of the meeting, they made and reiterated several points that they believe some of the Councilors continue to forget.

Why take this action? As reported, the recent Economic Development Committee (EDC) meeting was conducted on Monday, July 27th beginning at 5:00 PM which is not exactly a convenient time for most working folks. To have some of the EDC members state something to the effect that 'since the community didn't bother to show up, they must not be too concerned about what's happening.'

As this comment has been made previously, and objected to as well, the Pond St community members took turns stating their case: 

• They are united in objection to any development that will increase traffic. 
• The traffic in that area is already a problem (text notes from 3/25/15 meeting or audio recording of same meeting). 
• They understand and appreciate the need for revenue but also want to keep the neighborhood family friendly.
• When one or two of the group show up, they are representing the group. Not all of the group can show up for all of the meetings.
• They are willing to work with the condo proposal and would not want to see a new RFP for a hotel.

The EDC committee contributes to the problem by not being explicit about their intentions. They don't publish minutes of their meetings. They don't spend a few minutes explaining the process which would save them time in the long run (not everyone knows their process). Further, to have a Town Councilor state that the Town Council is not aware of the RFP responses (while technically correct) is stretching it as the EDC is officially made up of four Town Councilors and other Councilors tend to participate in the meetings. 

The EDC is a subcommittee of the Town Council. It will review and make a recommendation to the Council. The Town Council then as a whole will have an opportunity to discuss the matter before making a decision. Depending upon the nature of the discussion and decision to be made a public hearing made be required, or it may simply be an agenda item on a regular Council meeting. If the public hearing is required, there are notification requirements to be met.

Is the EDC really going back out with a new RFP? Was one of the developers asked to redo their proposal? It would be good to know. We'll find out some day if and when the minutes of the meeting are published. I do know experience that if it is the intent to go back out with a new RFP, that would require both an EDC vote and a Town Council vote. The Council met for the only time in August this Wednesday which means if there is to be a return, it won't happen anytime soon. 

The timing of the discussion and potential decisions also makes it highly likely that this sitting Council will not have the final say on the Pond St property. That would fall to the new Council decided on by the voters in the November election.

In other matters covered during the Wednesday meeting:

• The rezoning for Dean Ave had its first public hearing. This seems to be a good move despite the convoluted and confusing answer I received about the potential tax revenue implications of the change from commercial to residential. I'll need to watch the video recording when it is posted (as of Saturday morning (8/8/15 - 7:00 AM), it was not yet made available).
• The manager of the liquor license for Incontro  was acknowledged as changed. 
• The Town Council approved a measure that will be on the November ballot asking the Franklin voters to approve NOT taxing farm animals and equipment. Apparently, the Town has neglected to do so for 25 years and in order to be compliant and officially not tax, they need the voters approval. If we fail to approve, it will cost more to implement the tax than the revenue would be received from it.
• There was an update on the Community Opportunity Grant which will enable some funds for refurbishment of homes for folks who meet the income qualifications.
• Town Clerk Debbie Pellegri provided an update on the timeline and process running up to the Town Election on November 3rd.
• The purchase of the building and land at 275 Beaver was completed. An eminent domain process was also initiated to ensure the town has full and clear rights to the land for the records. Renovation of the building has begun. The funds for the sale of the building were the proceeds from the sale of Emmons St and other 'open space' funds available to Franklin.

The Thompson Press building - proposed to be rezoned from commercial to residential

For the full set of notes as I was reporting live from the meeting:

• Live reporting: Legislation for action through to ...
• Live reporting: Community Opportunities Grant
• Live reporting: Public Hearing - Dean Ave rezoning...
• Live reporting: Town Council - Aug 5, 2015