Economic Development Subcmte shovels the snow bylaw forward for Council discussion (audio)

FM #1059 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1059 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the Economic Development Subcommittee (EDC) held on Wednesday, September 6, 2023 in the Council Chambers. 

The EDC talked about snow removal on a hot Wednesday in the Franklin Council Chambers for their regularly scheduled meeting.

The proposed reintroduction of the sidewalk snow removal bylaw which was rescinded in 2017 was initially discussed at the August EDC meeting at which one member was absent. All four participated this time, 3 present in Chambers, one via remote connection.

That the bylaw hadn't been present for 6 years apparently had wrought enough interest to make it to the Council's objectives, hence this discussion.

The committee could have decided to do more research before forwarding to the Council, or done nothing (effectively continuing the status quo of the past 6 years). They did end up moving it forward without recommendation for a full Council discussion. Some additional research will be done by Town staff in prep for a future Council meeting.

Quick recap:

• What some folks would want is for the Town to clear the sidewalks, however the DPW is not staffed to do this and their other priorities. The community (commercial, retail and residents) should be able to help which is what the proposal lays out. It will create some inequity and hardship particularly among some of the elderly and disabled residents. 

• What kind of community and area do we want to live in is the real question?

• There are pros and cons, and no easy answer. Where is Solomon when we need him?

The recording of the meeting runs just about 70 minutes.   Audio file ->

https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1059-franklin-ma-economic-development-subcmte-mtg-09-0623

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Full agenda doc -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/edc_agenda_9.6.23.pdf 

Franklin TV Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/live/DLFDj9HEyRU?si=4_o_8sYPiFQqWhLZ&t=105 

My notes taken via Twitter and captured via a single PDF ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rOTVhHzvrppkmJB3HmmyqbJHaq6LTXj7/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

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"

Proposed sidewalk snow removal map

Economic Development Subcmte shovels the snow bylaw forward for Council discussion (video)

The Economic Development Subcommittee (EDC) talked about snow removal on a hot Wednesday in the Franklin Council Chambers for their regularly scheduled meeting.

The proposed re-introduction of the sidewalk snow removal bylaw which was rescinded in 2017 was initially discussed at the August EDC meeting at which one member was absent. All four participated this time, 3 present in Chambers, one via remote connection.

That the bylaw hadn't been present for 6 years apparently had wrought enough interest to make it to the Council's objectives, hence this discussion.

The committee could have decided to do more research before forwarding to the Council, or done nothing (effectively continuing the status quo of the past 6 years). They did end up moving it forward without recommendation for a full Council discussion. Some additional research will be done by Town staff in prep for a future Council meeting.

Quick recap: what some folks would want is for the Town to clear the sidewalks, however the DPW is not staffed to do this and their other priorities. The community (commercial, retail and residents) should be able to help which is what the proposal lays out. It will create some inequity and hardship particularly among some of the elderly and disabled residents. 

What kind of community and area do we want to live in is the real question?

There are pros and cons, and no easy answer. Where is Solomon when we need him?

Full agenda doc -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/edc_agenda_9.6.23.pdf

Franklin TV Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/live/DLFDj9HEyRU?si=4_o_8sYPiFQqWhLZ&t=105

My notes taken via Twitter and captured via a single PDF ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rOTVhHzvrppkmJB3HmmyqbJHaq6LTXj7/view?usp=drive_link

The proposed map of sidewalks to be cleared by the DPW

Proposed sidewalk snow removal map

Economic Development Subcommittee agenda for Weds, Sep 6 at 5:30 PM

Economic Development Subcommittee

Agenda & Meeting Packet

September 6, 2023 5:30 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building

Council Chambers, 2nd Floor

355 East Central Street

Agenda:

1. Proposed sidewalk snow removal bylaw and map

a. Revised Map  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/sidewalk_commercial_proposed_v2.pdf 

b. Draft Bylaw Proposal   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/1b._23-902_snow_removal_bylaw_draft.pdf

Full agenda doc with remote participation info -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/edc_agenda_9.6.23.pdf

 

Proposed sidewalk snow removal map

Economic Development Subcommittee considers updates to a revised sidewalk snow removal bylaw (Audio)

FM #1041 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1041 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting held on Wednesday, August 16, 2023. 

Chair: M Hamblen, C Frongillo, P Sheridan, G Jones (absent)

Town Administration: J Hellen, B Taberner

Brief recap

• The previous sidewalk snow removal bylaw was repealed as unenforceable in 2017

• The sidewalks covered by the Town in their snow removal plan have not been updated in years

• Small sections were discussed and proposed to add to the Town removal coverage (along 140 near the Westerly Apts., the East/West Streets neighborhood, the Alpine/Milliken neighborhood)

• Discussion on the parameters for clearing, when to have completed, etc. were reviewed, also the need for marketing and education to build a culture of "we can do this" and take care of the neighbors who are unable to do so.

• The Town staff will work on the revisions as discussed, basic text of the prior bylaw is a good start to work with, add the map (new areas), etc.

• Motion to adjourn

The recording runs 57 minutes, so let’s listen to the Economic Development Subcmte discussion on Aug 16, 2023. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1041-economic-development-subcmte-mtg-08-16-23

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Meeting agenda =>    https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/_2023-08-16_edc_agenda_.pdf

My notes ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/12loCjrT1sEa9Gfc9Y4gSrauJJohznz_q/view?usp=drive_link

Meeting video ->  https://www.youtube.com/live/v0pTxjdGlIo

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

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"

taken in 2017 on a walk Sunday morning, approx. 12 hours after the storm ended

Economic Development Subcommittee considers updates to a revised sidewalk snow removal bylaw (video)

Three of the four Economic Development Subcommittee members met on Wednesday as scheduled before the full Town Council meeting to hear about possible revisions to a sidewalk snow removal bylaw.

Chair Melanie Hamblen, Cobi Frongillo, Patrick Sheridan, Glenn Jones (absent)

Brief recap

• The previous bylaw was repealed as unenforceable in 2017
• The sidewalks covered by the Town in their snow removal plan have not been updated in years
• Small sections were discussed and proposed to add tot he Town removal coverage (along 140 near the Westerly Apts., the East/West Streets neighborhood, the Alpine/Milliken neighborhood)
• Discussion on the parameters for clearing, when to have completed, etc. were reviewed, also the need to marketing and education to build a cultural of "we can do this" and take care of the neighbors who are unable to do so.
• The Town staff will work on the revisions as discussed, basic text of the prior bylaw is a good start to work with, add the map (new areas), etc.
• Motion to adjourn

Franklin TV video of the session is available for replay ->   https://www.youtube.com/live/v0pTxjdGlIo

My notes captured via Twitter during the meeting canbe found in one PDF

https://drive.google.com/file/d/12loCjrT1sEa9Gfc9Y4gSrauJJohznz_q/view?usp=drive_link

taken in 2017 on a walk Sunday morning, approx. 12 hours after the storm ended

Economic Development & Town Council Meetings - Weds, August 16

Economic Development Subcommittee 

Agenda & Meeting Packet

August 16, 2023 - 5:45 PM

You may access the agenda and links for the meeting here:    https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/_2023-08-16_edc_agenda_.pdf

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

August 16, 2023 - 7 PM

The agenda doc also contains remote participation info -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_-_aug_16_2023.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for August 16, 2023 Meeting

Economic Development Subcommittee - August 16, 2023 at 5:45 PM

Economic Development Subcommittee 

Agenda & Meeting Packet

August 16, 2023 - 5:45 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building

2nd floor, Council Chambers

355 East Central Street

Agenda:

1. Review proposed sidewalk snow removal bylaw

a. Staff Memo, Draft Map & Packet  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/snow_removal_bylaw.pdf

You may access the agenda and links for the meeting here:    https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/_2023-08-16_edc_agenda_.pdf

taken in 2017 on a walk Sunday morning, approx. 12 hours after the storm ended

Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for August 16, 2023 Meeting

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

August 16, 2023 - 7 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 - None Scheduled.

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS - None Scheduled.

5. APPOINTMENTS

a. Agricultural Commission

i. Daniel Morse  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/5a._appointment_-_dan_morse.pdf

6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM

a. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-898: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at Chapter 185, Attachment 9, Schedule of Lot, Area, Frontage, Yard and Height Requirements  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/6a._23-898_-_grv.pdf

i. Legislation for Action Item #9a

b. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-899: Marijuana Use Overlay District, A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Section 5, Zoning Map  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/6b._23-899_-_marijuana_overlay_district.pdf

i. Legislation for Action #9b

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled.

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Presentation: DPW Project Updates - Brutus Cantoreggi, DPW Director

i. Current Project Updates

ii. Pavement Management Program & Sidewalk Plan   

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/8aii._franklin_ma_-_pavement_management_report_-_final_draft_8.3.2023.pdf

iii. Water Tank Master Plan

b. Discussion: Proposition 2 ½ Operating Override

i. Process - Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/8b._i_-_override_discussion.pdf

ii. Campaign & Political Finance and Ethics Laws - Mark Cerel, Town Attorney  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/8bii._1_-_discussion_memo_-_ethics_-_mark_1.pdf

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-898: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at Chapter 185, Attachment 9, Schedule of Lot, Area, Frontage, Yard and Height Requirements - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 23-898 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9a._bylaw_amendment_23-898_-_grv.pdf

b. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-899: Marijuana Use Overlay District, A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Section 5, Zoning Map - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 23-899 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9b._-_bylaw_amendment_23-899_-_marijuana_overlay_district.pdf

c. Resolution 23-48: Appropriation of $35,000 from Statewide Opioid Settlement Fund (Motion to approve Resolution 23-48 - ⅔ Majority Vote)  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9c._23-48_-_opioid_funding_35k.pdf

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 - None Scheduled.

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/town_council_agenda_-_aug_16_2023.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for August 16, 2023 Meeting

What is your Franklin residence's "Walk score"?

Walkability is a concept and frequently mentioned in current discussion. There is a web site that calculates the "walkability" of an address. I have tried it and there are a couple of addresses I have share here. It is free to use so try addresses on your own. 

Walk Score = https://www.walkscore.com/

The overall walk score for the Town of Franklin is shown below as 22 (out of 100). And as the samples show, the average is purely that, an average. Some locations (Library) are higher than others (121 Grove) and High School (218 Oak St).

The web site calculates and provide the methodology for their results on the 'walk score', 'transit score' and 'bike score'. San Francisco, New York and Boston are the Top 3 walkable cities. Interesting to note that Franklin has no 'transit score'. Other than GATRA and Commuter Rail we really don't have a public transit option.

"City of Franklin Town

This location is in the city of Franklin Town, MA. Franklin Town has an average Walk Score of 22 and has 31,635 residents."

Franklin High School - https://www.walkscore.com/score/218-oak-st-franklin-ma-02038?s=03

Franklin High School

121 Grove St (site of a proposed 40B) https://www.walkscore.com/score/121-grove-st-franklin-ma-02038

121 Grove St (site of a proposed 40B)

Franklin Library, 118 Main St - https://www.walkscore.com/score/118-main-st-franklin-ma-02038

Franklin Library, 118 Main St

Conversation on Franklin's walkability & insights from Worcester (audio)

FM #962 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 962 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the housing and zoning discussion with Brad Chafee, Melanie Hamblen, Cobi Frongillo and Dean College Chancellor Ed Augustus. 

Brad, Melanie, Ed and I were in the Franklin TV Studio on Wednesday, March 15, 2023. Cobi joined us for the discussion via Zoom.

Consider this a continuation of the downtown zoning discussion from the “Franklin For All” project which is underway with review and discussion at the Economic Development Subcommittee Plus meetings that Melanie Chairs and for which Cobi is Vice-Chair.  

We were joined by Chancellor Ed Augustus for this session to include his insights as former Town Manager of Worcester, MA and the lessons from the Worcester experience that might be considered for Franklin. 

The recording of our conversation on zoning runs about 57 minutes. Let’s listen in.

Audio file ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-962-walkability-worcester-insights-03-15-23

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Principles of walkability: useful, safe, comfortable, and interesting. Watch the TED Talk with Jeff Speck - https://www.ted.com/talks/jeff_speck_the_walkable_city

Jane Jacobs writer and activist on urban design wrote her book in 1961  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Death_and_Life_of_Great_American_Cities  

Center for Living City is an organization that continues in the spirit of her work ->    https://centerforthelivingcity.org/janejacobs/#jane-and-the-center

Other podcast episodes in this series:

4th discussion with Melanie and Cobi included Brad (FM #942) ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/02/listen-to-this-discussion-on-housing.html 

3rd discussion with Melanie and Cobi included Joel D’errico  (FM #922) ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/01/downtown-zoning-discussion-with-derrico.html 

2nd discussion with Melanie and Cobi in December (FM #904) -> 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/12/downtown-zoning-discussion-with.html 

1st discussion on Franklin For All project -> (FM # 755) https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/03/this-franklin-for-all-discussion.html

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

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

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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

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

Conversation on Franklin's walkability & insights from Worcester (audio)