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 *
Tuesday, November 5, 2024
Town of Franklin, MA: Unofficial Election Results for Nov 5, 2024
Town Council approves Rescission of license transfer, accepts Bogan's Way, welcomes Fire Dept news hires & Police Dept promotions (audio)
FM #1305 This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1305 in the series.
This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council Meeting of Wednesday, Oct 30, 2024. 8 members were present in Council Chambers, Frongillo was absent.
Quick recap
After multiple citizen comments on a variety of topics the Council got to their agenda items
Fire Department - Swearing In of New Firefighter / Paramedics
Paul Schleicher Jr.
Michael Dumican
Corey Rafter
Steven Osorio
Shea Hurley
First time to have 60 firefighters on staff, need to keep up with the growing needs of the community. All 60 are licensed paramedics
The Police Department had 2 Promotions, Both sworn in by Town Clerk Nancy Danello
Lieutenant Michael Colecchi
Sergeant Cody Landry
Rescission of Prior Approval of Transfer of Section 15 All Alcoholic Beverages Package Store License, Heeru Corporation d/b/a DeVita’s Market. Jamie explains quick background on the recession as the "easy" way for the parties to resolve the issues they have, including allowing DaVita's to reapply for a renewal of the license Building code issues need to be resolved to enable the transfer. vote passes 8-0-1 (8 - yes, 0 - no, 1 absent)
Public hearing on Bogan's way; Order of Layout, Acceptance, and Taking of Bogans Way and Drainage Lot Parcel A and Easements. Planning did approve acceptance, Continuing to chip away on all the public streets in town Public hearing closed with no comments. vote passes 8-0-1 (8 - yes, 0 - no, 1 absent)
License Modification - Change of Manager of a Section 15 Retail Package Store License: Shaw’s Supermarkets, Inc. d/b/a Shaw’s. So moved, second, passes 8-0-1 (1 absent)
Franklin Children's Museum - Meghan Hagen & Erin Gallagher, joined by architect and Brad Chaffee, Camford Property Group. Presentation slides -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/4SqkayuitiSFjuzU8
Resolution 24-63: Gift Acceptance: Senior Center ($100) (Motion to Approve Resolution 24- 63 - Majority Vote). So moved, second Passes 8-0-1 (1 absent)
Resolution 24-64: Town Council Approval of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funds ($8,304) (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-64 - Majority Vote). So moved, second Passes 8-0-1 ,1 absent)
Friendly 40B Policy Update introduced by Jamie in response to what has been heard from the community. After some discussion, when it wasn't really an item for discussion, it is not clear if it is in effect as proposed, or if it is being referred to a subcommittee and/or future agenda for further discussion. Editor's note: there should be a further review and potentially additional changes made to this. It is not a policy that is clearly understood and appreciated by either the Council or the community
Let’s listen to the meeting recording which runs just short of 3 hours. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1305-town-council-mtg-10-30-24/
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The Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNbkQwNvQkA
The agenda doc can be found here -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_meeting_october_30_2024_packet_2.pdf
My notes captured during the meeting and now in one PDF file ->
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zqgR9Lc2lYE9H3f8WOor2CoM-XPxaUG3/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!
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Wednesday, October 30, 2024
Notice of Advanced Removal of Early Voted Ballots & Advanced Depositing of Early Voted Ballots for Nov 5, 2024
Notice of Advanced Removal of Early Voted Ballots & Advanced Depositing of Early Voted Ballots for Nov 5, 2024 |
Sunday, October 27, 2024
1640 voters early ballots cast in the first week in Franklin, MA; tabulators tested on Wednesday
"First full week of in person early voting complete!!
Total of 1,640 voters! The flow was steady with NO lines!!
Thank you to all of our voters!!"
tabulator testing |
Tuesday, October 22, 2024
Tabulator Testing for Presidential Election - Weds, Oct 23 at 9 AM
Tabulator Testing for Presidential Election
Tabulator Testing for the Presidential election will be held on October 23rd beginning at 9 AM in the Council Chambers.
Please register with Town Clerk's Office if you plan on attending.
Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/tabulator-testing-presidential-election
Tabulator Testing for Presidential Election - Weds, Oct 23 at 9 AM |
Monday, October 7, 2024
Reminder: Early voting schedule for Franklin, MA
- Saturday, October 19 - 9 AM - 1 PM
- Sunday, October 20 – 9 AM – 1 PM
Monday, October 21 - 8 AM - 4 PMEarly voting schedule for Franklin, MA - Tuesday, October 22 - 8 AM - 4 PM
- Wednesday, October 23 - 8 AM - 6 PM
- Thursday, October 24 - 8 AM - 4 PM
- Friday, October 25 - 8 AM - 1 PM
- Saturday, October 26 - 9 AM - 1 PM
- Sunday, October 27 - 9 AM – 1 PM
- Monday, October 28 - 8 AM - 4 PM
- Tuesday, October 29 - 8 AM - 4 PM
- Wednesday, October 30 - 8 AM - 6 PM
- Thursday, October 31 - 8 AM - 4 PM
- Friday, November 1 - 8 AM - 1 PM
Friday, October 4, 2024
Boston Globe: "Threats, requests, and expanded voting: Mass. clerks are gearing up for a daunting election"
"In September, local elections clerks received an email that purported to be from a reputable national organization that helps to ensure voting integrity. The message asked clerks to fill out a survey and include their personal cellphones and home addresses.But the URL behind the sender was not for the cybersecurity group the Elections Infrastructure Information Sharing & Analysis Center, or EI-ISAC. Instead, it led to a website, electioncrimebureau.com, with an image of a grinning Mike Lindell, the MyPillow CEO-turned-high-profile-election-denier who continues to believe former president Donald Trump won the 2020 election.The faux email, say Massachusetts election clerks, is just the latest example of the deluge of threats, interference, misinformation, and burdensome requests coming at them as they approach what many fear will be one of the most daunting elections yet.Burnout and frustration after the 2020 election and the subsequent storm of misinformation sparked massive turnover within the ranks of local elections officials. Those who stayed faced cybersecurity threats and emails sent by bad actors. The threats come on top of new state laws that boosted access to mail ballots and expanded early voting."
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/10/03/metro/election-clerks-2024-threats-massachusetts/
We talked with our Town Clerk Nancy Danello in advance of the September primary and have not scheduled additional time due to the other demands for her attention during this period. Listen to out conversation, much of which still pertains to the November election. The dates for early voting, etc. have changed but available here and on the Town Clerk page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerkelection-administrator
Boston Globe: "Threats, requests, and expanded voting: Mass. clerks are gearing up for a daunting election" |
Friday, September 27, 2024
MA Ballot QUESTION 5: Minimum Wage for Tipped Workers
This proposed law would gradually increase the minimum hourly wage an employer must pay a tipped worker, over the course of five years, on the following schedule:• To 64% of the state minimum wage on January 1, 2025;• To 73% of the state minimum wage on January 1, 2026;• To 82% of the state minimum wage on January 1, 2027;• To 91% of the state minimum wage on January 1, 2028; and• To 100% of the state minimum wage on January 1, 2029.The proposed law would require employers to continue to pay tipped workers the difference Under the proposed law, if an employer pays its workers an hourly wage that is at least the state minimum wage, the employer would be permitted to administer a “tip pool” that combines all the tips given by customers to tipped workers and distributes them among all the workers, including non-tipped workers.
There are no direct fiscal consequences on the Commonwealth or municipalities because they generally do not employ tipped employees. Nevertheless, this measure will affect proposed state and municipal revenues and expenditures due to impacts on employee and business income and earnings. While those impacts are difficult to project due to the lack of reliable data, increasing the minimum hourly wage of tipped employees will likely increase state income tax collections because employees will earn more in hourly wages from which state income tax is withheld. The impacts on gratuity earnings and gratuity tax reporting are unknown
A YES VOTE would increase the minimum hourly wage an employer must pay a tipped worker to the full state minimum wage implemented over five years, at which point employers could pool all tips and distribute them to all non- management workers.A NO VOTE would make no change in the law governing tip pooling or the minimum wage for tipped workers
Full PDF of the Secretary of the Commonwealth's Information for Voters "red book" -> https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/elections/download/research-and-statistics/IFV_2024.pdf
Additional voting info for the State can be found ->
https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/elections/elections-and-voting.htm
Specific info for Franklin, MA voters can be found on the Town Clerk page ->
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerkelection-administrato
MA Ballot QUESTION 5: Minimum Wage for Tipped Workers |
Thursday, September 26, 2024
MA Ballot QUESTION 4: Limited Legalization and Regulation of Certain Natural Psychedelic Substances
This proposed law would allow persons aged 21 and older to grow, possess, and use certain natural psychedelic substances in certain circumstances. The psychedelic substances allowed would be two substances found in mushrooms (psilocybin and psilocyn) and three substances found in plants (dimethyltryptamine, mescaline, and ibogaine). These substances could be purchased at an approved location for use under the supervision of a licensed facilitator. This proposed law would otherwise prohibit any retail sale of natural psychedelic substances. This proposed law would also provide for the regulation and taxation of these psychedelic substances.This proposed law would license and regulate facilities offering supervised use of these psychedelic substances and provide for the taxation of proceeds from those facilities’ sales of psychedelic substances. It would also allow persons aged 21 and older to grow these psychedelic substances in a 12-foot by 12-foot area at their home and use these psychedelic substances at their home. This proposed law would authorize persons aged 21 or older to possess up to one gram of psilocybin, one gram of psilocyn, one gram of dimethyltryptamine, 18 grams of mescaline, and 30 grams of ibogaine (“personal use amount”), in addition to whatever they might grow at their home, and to give away up to the personal use amount to a person aged 21 or over.This proposed law would create a Natural Psychedelic Substances Commission of five members appointed by the Governor, Attorney General, and Treasurer which would administer the law governing the use and distribution of these psychedelic substances. The Commission would adopt regulations governing licensing qualifications, security, recordkeeping, education and training, health and safety requirements, testing, and age verification. This proposed law would also create a Natural Psychedelic Substances Advisory Board of 20 members appointed by the Governor, Attorney General, and Treasurer which would study and make recommendations to the Commission on the regulation and taxation of these psychedelic substances.This proposed law would allow cities and towns to reasonably restrict the time, place, and manner of the operation of licensed facilities offering psychedelic substances, but cities and towns could not ban those facilities or their provision of these substances.The proceeds of sales of psychedelic substances at licensed facilities would be subject to the state sales tax and an additional excise tax of 15 percent. In addition, a city or town could impose a separate tax of up to two percent. Revenue received from the additional state excise tax, license application fees, and civil penalties for violations of this proposed law would be deposited in a Natural Psychedelic Substances Regulation Fund and would be used, subject to appropriation, for administration of this proposed law.Using the psychedelic substances as permitted by this proposed law could not be a basis to deny a person medical care or public assistance, impose discipline by a professional licensing board, or enter adverse orders in child custody cases absent clear and convincing evidence that the activities created an unreasonable danger to the safety of a minor child.This proposed law would not affect existing laws regarding the operation of motor vehicles while under the influence, or the ability of employers to enforce workplace policies restricting the consumption of these psychedelic substances by employees. This proposed law would allow property owners to prohibit the use, display, growing, processing, or sale of these psychedelic substances on their premises. State and local governments could continue to restrict the possession and use of these psychedelic substances in public buildings or at schools.This proposed law would take effect on December 15, 2024.
A YES VOTE would allow persons over age 21 to use certain natural psychedelic substances under licensed supervision and to grow and possess limited quantities of those substances in their home, and would create a commission to regulate those substances.A NO VOTE would make no change in the law regarding natural psychedelic substances.
This measure would establish a 15% state excise tax for the sale of natural psychedelic substances, which would be available for spending from a dedicated fund; however, the revenue generating impact is unknown due to the lack of data for the new market being proposed. This measure would also allow for a local tax option that could generate local sales
Full PDF of the Secretary of the Commonwealth's Information for Voters "red book" -> https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/elections/download/research-and-statistics/IFV_2024.pdf
Additional voting info for the State can be found ->
https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/elections/elections-and-voting.htm
Specific info for Franklin, MA voters can be found on the Town Clerk page ->
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerkelection-administrato
MA Ballot QUESTION 4: Limited Legalization and Regulation of Certain Natural Psychedelic Substances |
Wednesday, September 25, 2024
MA Ballot QUESTION 3: Unionization for Transportation Network Drivers
The proposed law would provide Transportation Network Drivers (“Drivers”) with the right to form unions (“Driver Organizations”) to collectively bargain with Transportation Network Companies (“Companies”)-which are companies that use a digital network to connect riders to drivers for pre-arranged transportation-to create negotiated recommendations concerning wages, benefits and terms and conditions of work. Drivers would not be required to engage in any union activities. Companies would be allowed to form multi- Company associations to represent them when negotiating with Driver Organizations. The state would supervise the labor activities permitted by the proposed law and would have responsibility for approving or disapproving the negotiated recommendations.The proposed law would define certain activities by a Company or a Driver Organization to be unfair work practices. The proposed law would establish a hearing process for the state Employment Relations Board (“Board”) to follow when a Company or Driver Organization is charged with an unfair work practice. The proposed law would permit the Board to take action, including awarding compensation to adversely affected Drivers, if it found that an unfair work practice had been committed. The proposed law would provide for an appeal of a Board decision to the state Appeals Court.This proposed law also would establish a procedure for determining which Drivers are Active Drivers, meaning that they completed more than the median number of rides in the previous six months. The proposed law would establish procedures for the Board to determine that a Driver Organization has signed authorizations from at least five percent of Active Drivers, entitling the Driver organization to a list of Active Drivers; to designate a Driver Organization as the exclusive bargaining representative for all Drivers based on signed authorizations from at least twenty-five percent of Active Drivers; to resolve disputes over exclusive bargaining status, including through elections; and to decertify a Driver Organization from exclusive bargaining status. A Driver Organization that has been designated the exclusive bargaining representative would have the exclusive right to represent the Drivers and to receive voluntary membership dues deductions.Once the Board determined that a Driver Organization was the exclusive bargaining representative for all Drivers, the Companies would be required to bargain with that Driver Organization concerning wages, benefits and terms and conditions of work. Once the Driver Organization and Companies reached agreement on wages, benefits, and the terms and conditions of work, that agreement would be voted upon by all Drivers who has completed at least 100 trips the previous quarter. If approved by a majority of votes cast, the recommendations would be submitted to the state Secretary of Labor for approval and if approved, would be effective for three years. The proposed law would establish procedures for the mediation and arbitration if the Driver Organization and Companies failed to reach agreement within a certain period of time. An arbitrator would consider factors set forth in the proposed law, including whether the wages of Drivers would be enough so that Drivers would not need to rely upon any public benefits. The proposed law also sets out procedures for the Secretary of Labor’s review and approval of recommendations negotiated by a Driver Organization and the Companies and for judicial review of the Secretary’s decision.The proposed law states that neither its provisions, an agreement nor a determination by the Secretary would be able to lessen labor standards established by other laws. If there were any conflict between the proposed law and existing Massachusetts labor relations law, the proposed law would prevail.
The Board would make rules and regulations as appropriate to effectuate the proposed law.The proposed law states that, if any of its parts were declared invalid, the other parts would stay in effect.
A YES VOTE would provide transportation network drivers the option to form unions to collectively bargain with transportation network companies regarding wages, benefits, and terms and conditions of work.A NO VOTE would make no change in the law relative to the ability of transportation network drivers to form unions.
The proposed law has no discernible material fiscal consequences for state and municipal government finances.
• Base of $32.50 per hour with yearly increases• Paid Sick Leave• Paid Family Medical Leave• Healthcare Stipend• On-the-Job Injury Insurance• Anti-Discrimination Protections• Domestic Violence Leave• Anti-Retaliation Protections• Appeals Process
Full PDF of the Secretary of the Commonwealth's Information for Voters "red book" -> https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/elections/download/research-and-statistics/IFV_2024.pdf
Additional voting info for the State can be found ->
https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/elections/elections-and-voting.htm
Specific info for Franklin, MA voters can be found on the Town Clerk page ->
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerkelection-administrato
MA Ballot QUESTION 3: Unionization for Transportation Network Drivers |