Tom Mercer and I condense the 3 hour Town Council meeting to about 35 minutes (audio)

FM #1431 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1431 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, April 17, 2025.  

Our conversation condensed the Town Council meeting of April 16, 2025. 

We focus on two questions:

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

Topic for this session:

• School Committee Chair D Callaghan provided an update on recent meeting updates including the potential naming of the "Horace Mann Campus"

• per Town Clerk Nancy Danello, notification of election coming via mail re: the override election June 3. Postcard with QR code to register to vote, also includes a vote by mail application. Only one card to head of household not one per every voter

• Appointment of the 2025 election workers was approved by unanimous vote

• Resolution 25-18: June 3, 2025 Election Early & Mail in Voting was approved unanimously. The scheduled early voting dates will be added to the Community calendar

• Proclamations and recognition for 

• the FHS Cheerleaders, National Champs for 5th year

• the FHS boys basketball team, State Division 1 Champs

• members of the Dean College Athletic Training first responders who saved the life of an individual at a recent athletic event

• Public hearing conducted on 2 related bylaw changes to allow Shared-Use Commercial Kitchens in commercial zones. The Planning Board had approved also, these measures were moved to a second reading (at a future meeting)

• Presentation and update on work being done by  Franklin Police Department Mental Health Clinician Division - Kallie Montagano, Clinician Program Manager 

• Followed by an update on the Franklin Crisis Action Team by Deputy Administrator Amy Friguiletti. Housing and temp shelter the top issue the FCAT group sees

• A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185, Section 24, Floodplain District - Referral to the Planning Board was approved unanimously. Apparently, the Town slipped in knowing that this had a 5 year life expectancy and was due to be updated. Only minor changes required but the due process is being initiated now with this referral

• Approval for acceptance of gifts

Let’s listen to my conversation with Tom as we recap the Town Council meeting. Approx. 35 minutes Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1431-town-council-quarterbacking-04-17-25/

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

The Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/C9jXhRmTTlI?&t=94 

The agenda and released documents can be found -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04162025-1682

My full set of notes captured during the meeting

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nIb72BBNqBkuEgMCgS9ggo5T5UR8A7BD/view?usp=drive_link 

Photo album of the recognitions ->   https://photos.app.goo.gl/NFs8QPA39vzy5tzn8 

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

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"

Tom Mercer and I condense the 3 hour Town Council meeting to about 35 minutes (audio)

Town Council starts with recognitions before conducting business (video)

The Town Council met as scheduled Wednesday, April 16, 2025 with all nine members present for a 3 hour recogntions and business session.

The Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/C9jXhRmTTlI?&t=94

The agenda and released documents can be found -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04162025-1682 

Quick recap:

• School Committee Chair D Callaghan provided an update on recent meeting updates including the potential naming of the "Horace Mann Campus"
• per Town Clerk, notification of election coming via mail re: the override election June 3. Postcard with QR code to register to vote, also includes a vote by mail application. Only one card to head of household not one per every voter
• Proclaimations and recognition for 
• the FHS Cheerleaders
• the FHS boys basketball team
• members of the Dean College Athletic Training first responders who saved the life of an individual at a recent athletic event
• Appointment of the 2025 election workers was approved by unanimous vote
• Public hearing conducted on 2 related bylaw changes to allow Shared-Use Commercial Kitchens in commercial zones. The Planning Board had approved also, these measures were moved to a second reading (at a future meeting)
• Presentation and update on work being done by  Franklin Police Department Mental Health Clinician Division - Kallie Montagano, Clinician Program Manager
• Followed by an update on the Franklin Crisis Action Team by Deputy Administrator Amy Friguiletti. Housing and temp shelter the top issue the FCAT group sees
• Resolution 25-18: June 3, 2025 Election Early & Mail in Voting was approved unanimously. The scheduled early voting dates will be added to the Community calendar
• A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185, Section 24, Floodplain District - Referral to the Planning Board was approved unanimously. Apparently, the Town slipped in knowing that this had a 5 year life expectancy and was due to be updated. Only minor changes required but the due process is being initiated now with this referral
• Approval for acceptance of gifts from the Robert Catalano family and estate was unaninmous. It also led to a discussion on how the funds such as these are used. Mostly for programs but if there is something specifically funded, the Council would like to be notified.

My full set of notes captured during the meeting

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nIb72BBNqBkuEgMCgS9ggo5T5UR8A7BD/view?usp=drive_link

Photo albums of the recognitions ->   https://photos.app.goo.gl/NFs8QPA39vzy5tzn8

members of the Dean College Athletic Training first responders who save the life of an individual at a recent athletic event

Franklin, MA: Agenda for Town Council meeting April 16, 2025

Franklin Town Council
Agenda & Meeting Packet
April 16, 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, 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.    March 19, 2025

4.    PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS
a.    Proclamation: Franklin High School Cheerleaders
b.    Proclamation: Franklin High School Boys Basketball Team
c.    Proclamation: The Dean College Athletic Training and Franklin Public Safety Departments
 

5.    APPOINTMENTS
a.    2025 Election Workers  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5217/5a---Appointments---Election-Workers
i.    See Exhibit 1 of Appointment Transaction in agenda packet for list of names

6.    PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM

a.    Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-927: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185, Section 3 of The Code Of The Town of Franklin, Definitions (Shared-Use Commercial Kitchen)
i.    Legislation for Action # 9b.  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5234/6a-1-Shared-Kitchen-Public-Hearing
b.    Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-928: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185, Attachment 3, Use Regulation Schedule, Part II Principal Uses (Shared-Use Commercial Kitchen)
i.    Legislation for Action # 9c.   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5235/6b-Public-Hearing-Shared-Kitchens

7.    LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled
 

8.    PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION
a.    Franklin Police Department Mental Health Clinician Division - Kallie Montagano, Clinician Program Manager
b.    Franklin Crisis Advocacy Team - Amy Frigulietti, Deputy Town Administrator

9.    LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
a.    Resolution 25-18: June 3, 2025 Election Early & Mail in Voting
(Motion to Approve Resolution 25-18 - Majority Vote)   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5227/9a-25-18---6_3_25-Election-early-voting-and-vote-by-mail
b.    Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-927: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185, Section 3 of The Code Of The Town of Franklin, Definitions (Shared-Use Commercial Kitchen) - First Reading (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-927 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)
c.    Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-928: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185, Attachment 3, Use Regulation Schedule, Part II Principal Uses (Shared-Use Commercial Kitchen) - First Reading
(Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-928 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)
d.    Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-935: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185, Section 24,
Floodplain District - Referral to the Planning Board  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5236/9d-25-935-Floodplain
(Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-935 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)
e.    Resolution 25-19: Acceptance of Gifts - Senior Center ($3,014.98), Veterans’ ($11,959.90)
(Motion to Approve Resolution 25-19 - Majority Vote)

10.    TOWN ADMINISTRATORS REPORT
 

11.    SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a.    Town Administrator Evaluation Ad Hoc Subcommittee Report (Vote to Accept)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/4568/2025-TA-Evaluation
b.    Capital Budget Subcommittee
c.    Economic Development Subcommittee
d.    Joint Budget Subcommittee
e.    Police Station Building Committee
f.    GATRA Advisory Board

12.    FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13.    COUNCIL COMMENTS

14.    EXECUTIVE SESSION - None Scheduled

15.    ADJOURN
 
Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

 

 

Franklin, MA: Agenda for Town Council meeting April 16, 2025

Franklin, MA: agenda for Town Council meeting March 5 at 7 PM

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

March 5, 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 - None Scheduled

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

a. Police Department - Swearing In of New Patrol Officers

i. Steven Dejoie

ii. Tyler Hosley

b. Proclamation & Performance: Franklin Fine & Performing Arts Students

5. APPOINTMENTS

a. Cultural District Committee - Peter Rochat   https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4571/5a---Cultural-District-Appointment---Peter-Rochat

6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM - None Scheduled

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS  - None Scheduled

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) Actuarial Update - Dan Sherman   https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4572/8a---OPEB-Presentation---Franklin-FYE2024-GASB7475-v1-1

b. FY26 Budget Preview - Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator   https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4575/8b-1---MEMO---FY26-Budget-Preview---Google-Docs

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-927: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185, Section 3 of The Code Of The Town of Franklin, Definitions (Shared-Use Commercial Kitchen) - Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-927 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4573/9a-25-927-and-25-928---Shared-Used-Kitchens

b. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-928: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185, Attachment 3, Use Regulation Schedule, Part II Principal Uses (Shared-Use Commercial Kitchen) - Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-928 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4574/9b-1---ZONING-BYLAW-AMENDMENT-25-928---Use-Regulations---Shared-Use-Commercial-Kitchen-1

c. Resolution 25-12: Receipts Reserved for Appropriation from Parking Fund

(Motion to Approve Resolution 25-12 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4576/9c-25-12---Parking-Kiosk-Appropriation

d. Resolution 25-13: Authorization to Grant Easement to Commonwealth of Massachusetts Dept. of Conservation and Recreation to Enable Construction of Rail Trail Extension (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-13 - ⅔ Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4578/9d-25-13---Grant-of-Easement-and-MOA---SNETT---Google-Docs

e. Resolution 25-14: Acceptance of Gifts - Senior Center ($250) (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-14 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4577/9e-25-14---Gift-Acceptance---Sr-Ctr

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATORS REPORT

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Town Administrator Evaluation Ad Hoc Subcommittee Report

b. Capital Budget Subcommittee

c. Economic Development Subcommittee

d. Joint Budget Subcommittee

e. Police Station Building Committee

f. GATRA Advisory Board

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION - None Scheduled

15. ADJOURN

Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

Agenda doc also contains remote participation info ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03052025-1608

Franklin, MA: agenda for Town Council meeting March 5 at 7 PM

Economic Development Subcmte recommends adding shared kitchen definition for Council review (audio)

FM #1390 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1390 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting on Wednesday, February 26, 2025 in Council Chambers. All 4 members of the subcommittee participated in Chambers (Hamblen, Sheridan, Frongillo & Chandler).

Quick recap

• The meeting started and then restarted to get to the correct Zoom link so a few minutes were repeated for some on the video recording and net new for others on the proper Zoom link. This audio recording only includes from the restart

• The shared kitchen definition and addition to the use tables for commercial (not residential) zones was discussed, clarified, and then moved to bring to the Town Council by a 4-0 vote

• The naming of the Crossing Neighborhood District and the minor additions was agreed to in concept but after discussion determined that it is an opportunity to do more with than "just renaming". Especially with the Master Plan approved, some of those items can be considered for implementation here

Motion to adjourn, passes 4-0 

The recording of the meeting runs about 58 minutes.   Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1390-economic-development-subcmte-mtg-02-26-25/

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

Franklin TV video is available for replay ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5aC6kDo1DtM&t=408 

The agenda doc ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/02/economic-development-to-review-proposed.html 

My full set of notes captured during the meeting

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CkUfWVxVbGsGOp9bj8Ew6yDP8BiZDsvy/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"

map displaying the proposed Crossing Neighborhood District changes

Economic Development Subcmte recommends adding shared kitchen definition for Council review (video)

The Economic Development Subcommittee meeting was conducted as scheduled on Wednesday. The meeting started and then restarted to get to the correct Zoom link so few minutes were repeated for some on the video recording and net new for others who joined the real Zoom link.

Franklin TV video replay ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5aC6kDo1DtM&t=408

The meeting agenda and docs released for this session

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/02/economic-development-to-review-proposed.html

Quick recap:

• The shared kitchen definition and addition to the use tables for commercial (not residential) zones was discussed, clarified, and then moved to bring to the Town Council by a 4-0 vote.
• The naming of the Crossing Neighborhood District and the minor additions was agreed to in concept but after discussion determined that it is an opportunity to do more with than "just renaming". Especially with the Master Plan approved, some of those items can be considered for implementation here.

map displaying the proposed Crossing Neighborhood District changes

My full set of notes captured during the meeting

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CkUfWVxVbGsGOp9bj8Ew6yDP8BiZDsvy/view?usp=drive_link

Economic Development to review proposed shared kitchens bylaw, "Crossing Neighborhood" on the agenda

Economic Development Subcommittee 

Agenda & Meeting Packet 

February 26, 2025 5:45 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building Council Chambers, 2nd Floor 355 East Central Street 

Agenda: 

1. Shared Kitchens Bylaw 

a. DPCD Memorandum 

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4480/1a-DPCD-Memo---Shared-Use-Commercial-Kitchen

b. Bylaw Proposals 

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4479/1b-25-9X1---185-3-Definitions---Shared-Use-Commercial-Kitchen

2. Renaming Commercial-1 Zoning District (Union Street/Cottage Street area only) to “The Crossing Neighborhood District” 

a. DPCD Memorandum  

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4493/2a---DPCD-Memo---Crossing-Neighborhood-Zoning-District---02202025

b. Bylaw Proposals  

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4494/2b-Bylaw-Proposals

The agenda doc also contains remote participation info ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02262025-1600

Economic Development to review proposed shared kitchens bylaw, "Crossing Neighborhood" on the agenda