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Board of Health meeting scheduled for Monday, May 19 at 9 AM |
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 *
Saturday, May 17, 2025
Board of Health meeting scheduled for Monday, May 19 at 9 AM
Friday, May 9, 2025
Town Council Quarterbacking condenses the almost 3 hour meeting May 7, 2025 to 30 minutes (audio)
FM #1443 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1443 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, May 7, 2025. Our conversation condensed the Town Council meeting of May 7, 2025.
We focus on two questions:
ok, what just happened?
What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?
Quick recap:
Town Clerk Nancy Danello provides some updates on the early voting, last day to register, etc. for the FY 2026 override special election June 3
School Committee Chair Dave Callaghan provides some updates on the redistricting efforts, how the savings will lay the foundation for the future assuming the override does pass
Recognition
Police Department - Swearing in of New Police Officer, Tyler Hosley
Police Department - Recognition of New Town of Upton Chief of Police, Chief Nicholas Palmieri, former Sergeant of the Franklin Police Department
Public hearing
New Section 12 Restaurant All Alcoholic Beverages License and Approval of Karan Goswami as the Manager - Kaushik Restaurants Inc. d/b/a Mirchi Indian Cuisine.
Public hearing
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-935: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185, Section 24, Floodplain District. No comments or questions from public or Council, had also been approved by Planning Board Motion to move to 3nd reading, second, passes 9-0
License Modification - Change of Manager of a Section 12 Restaurant All Alcoholic Beverages License: The Chateau Restaurant of Franklin, Inc. d/b/a The Chateau, Motion to approve, second, passes 9-0
Presentation:
FY 24 Financial Audit - Scott McIntire, CPA, Managing Director, CBIZ, we have a clean audit result this year. Scott compliments the Town for preparing and executing in the audit, Entirely new set of staff to conduct this audit, a clean audit opinion. This reflects an evaluation of the internal controls of the Town operations
Jamie also updated that the recent bond application resulted in renewal of our AAA rating, a major accomplishment to continue this
What does the triple AAA mean? The lowest interest rate is available to use and will save us millions of dollars; Beaver St interceptor project is at 1.5% interest, in today's market it would be about 4%
Legislation for action
Resolution 25-28: Extension of the Time Period for the Automatic Reverter Contained in the Deed of Former Town-owned Land Off Panther Way Previously Conveyed to the Franklin Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Fund; Motion to approve, second, passes 9-0
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) - Second Reading;
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) - Second Reading;
Both measures Motion to approve, second; Discussion, there has been interest expressed; Passes 9-0 via roll call
TA Report highlights
Budget hearing May 21-22, will be continued to June 4 to do the votes that night after the override results are available
How does development affect the budget? Jamie will do his best to address, will be beneficial for community discussion as part of the hearing 5/22. Jamie will be attending the ZBA meeting at the request of the chair and members. Will be part of other discussions on the 444 East Central St item for as long as it goes
The conversation runs about 30 minutes. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1443-town-council-quarterbacking-05-08-25/
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The Franklin TV recording is available for review -> https://www.youtube.com/live/BjLJUaJedMc&t=389
The agenda and released documents for this session -> https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05072025-1719
My notes collected in one PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YrOYu85-re20L0v7tmmAvCY2e54ir5sY/view?usp=drive_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
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"
Thursday, May 8, 2025
Town Council hears of clean audit and renewal of AAA rating among items on a varied and busy meeting (video)
- Town Clerk Nancy Danello provides some updates on the early voting, last day to register, etc. for the FY 2026 override special election June 3
- School Committee Chair Dave Callaghan provides some updates on the redistricting efforts, how the savings will lay the foundation for the future assuming the override does pass
- Citizens comments:
- J Callaway-Tripp, thanks for the Parmenter property deed adjustment; Future use of whatever the property be designated for, requesting a Town wide vote as it did back in the early 1950's; Request a town committee to determine the future of the property
- M Minnichelli quotes Yogi Berra, reminding that we should set a target, the 10% is a state requirement
- J Nutting speaking for the override
- Sherlock spoke to the FinCom budget hearings (watch, listen, read almost complete) and Pen to Picture event May 10 at the Library
- J Cohen asking for help in speaking for clarity on the issues around the override, stopping building is not the same as voting on the override
- Recognition
- Police Department - Swearing in of New Police Officer, Tyler Hosley
- Police Department - Recognition of New Town of Upton Chief of Police, Chief Nicholas Palmieri, former Sergeant of the Franklin Police Department
- Public hearing
- New Section 12 Restaurant All Alcoholic Beverages License and Approval of Karan Goswami as the Manager - Kaushik Restaurants Inc. d/b/a Mirchi Indian Cuisine. Attorney and applicant participated remotely. Applicant had started ABCC application without legal assistance, withdrew it from ABCC and with legal guidance resubmitted. No real changes to application operational details; Motion to approve, second, passes 9-0
- Public hearing
- Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-935: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185, Section 24, Floodplain District. No comments or questions from public or Council, had also been approved by Planning Board Motion to move to 3nd reading, second, passes 9-0
- License Modification - Change of Manager of a Section 12 Restaurant All Alcoholic Beverages License: The Chateau Restaurant of Franklin, Inc. d/b/a The Chateau, Motion to approve, second, passes 9-0
- Presentation:
- FY24 Financial Audit - Scott McIntire, CPA, Managing Director, CBIZ, we have a clean audit result this year. Scott compliments to the Town for preparing and executing in the audit, Entirely new set of staff to conduct this audit, a clean audit opinion. This reflects an evaluation of the internal controls of the Town operations
- Jamie also updated that the recent bond application resulted in renewal of our AAA rating, a major accomplishment to continue this
- What does the triple AAA mean? The lowest interest rate is available to use and will save us millions of dollars; Beaver St interceptor project is at 1.5% interest, in today's market it would be about 4%
- Legislation for action
- Resolution 25-28: Extension of the Time Period for the Automatic Reverter Contained in the Deed of Former Town-owned Land Off Panther Way Previously Conveyed to the Franklin Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Fund; Motion to approve, second, passes 9-0
- 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) - Second Reading; & 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) - Second Reading; Both measures Motion to approve, second; Discussion, there has been interest expressed; Passes 9-0 via roll call
- TA Report highlights
- Budget hearing May 21-22, will be continued to June 4 to do the votes that night after the
- override results are available
- How does development affect the budget? Jamie will do his best to address, will be beneficial for community discussion as part of the hearing 5/22. Jamie will be attending the ZBA meeting at the request of the chair and members. Will be part of other discussions on the 444 East Central St item for as long as it goes
- Best Western no longer housing emergency shelter as of July. Budget issues were not being created by that State item. The Town has not spent a dollar on that
- Bids came in on budget for the cupola, hopefully work will start June/July when contractor will be available
- Cricket field being built and opening here on Pond St (behind Kennedy)
- Sculpture Park new features there
- Porchfest will also feature a Cornhole competition June 7
Sunday, April 20, 2025
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/
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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"
Thursday, April 17, 2025
Town Council starts with recognitions before conducting business (video)
- 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.
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members of the Dean College Athletic Training first responders who save the life of an individual at a recent athletic event |
Sunday, April 13, 2025
Franklin, MA: Agenda for Town Council meeting April 16, 2025
Agenda & Meeting Packet
April 16, 2025 - 7 PM
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
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
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
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
Sunday, March 2, 2025
Franklin, MA: agenda for Town Council meeting March 5 at 7 PM
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.
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.
a. Police Department - Swearing In of New Patrol Officers
i. Steven Dejoieii. Tyler Hosley
b. Proclamation & Performance: Franklin Fine & Performing Arts Students
a. Town Administrator Evaluation Ad Hoc Subcommittee Reportb. Capital Budget Subcommitteec. Economic Development Subcommitteed. Joint Budget Subcommitteee. Police Station Building Committeef. GATRA Advisory Board