Town Council approves additional $1M for schools, starts process for override, turns down King St parcel zoning change (audio)

FM #1249 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1249 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council Meeting of Wednesday, June 17, 2024.  7 members were present in Council Chambers, one participated remotely (Cormier-Leger), one was absent (Hamblen). For the time when Cormier-Leger participated all votes were recorded via roll call.

Quick summary

• A number of citizens comments accounted for approx. 30 minutes of the meeting before the Council began its business.

• The zoning change for the parcel on King St while forwarded to second reading by a 5-4 vote was roundly defeated by an 8-0-1 (1 absent) vote.

• The override and budget discussion resulted in two actions. 

• One - consensus to begin with a Joint Budget series of meetings to work on determining the future (assuming yes, when?), and getting consensus among the 3 committees (Town Council, School Committee and Finance Committee) on an amount for an earlier spring vote.

• Two - the Council did vote to take $1M from the debt stabilization account to provide for additional funding for the School budget. The School Committee will vote to accept the funding at their next scheduled August meeting (Aug 13). (After this vote Cormier-Leger left the session)

• A set of 3 bylaws to change downtown commercial zoning to bring the Town into compliance with the MBTA regulations were approved and moved to second reading. The second reading will be a Council meeting in August.

• The zoning change for the mill store property on Union St was approved and moved to second reading (also at a meeting in August)

• The Council also voted to approve the land swap deal with the state. This work started approx. 11 years ago and finally getting to the changing of the deeds stage to complete. This will set up for future renovation & enhancements to the Beaver St recycling Center.

The recording runs about 3 hours, so let’s listen to Town Council meeting of June 17, 2024. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1249-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-07-17-24/

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The Franklin TV video of the 3 hour session can be found ->  https://www.youtube.com/live/dvI5kTzZqP0?si=Od24AGR5njNiF99I&t=67 

Agenda document for this session: 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/tc_agenda_july_17_2024.pdf

My notes as captured during the session can be found in one PDF

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rUWE6iK-G1T7xnVsjgXiGj2-l2P9S9Kg/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"

Franklin, MA: Town Council -Agenda for Meeting July 17, 2024 at 7 PM

This Town Council Quarterbacking session condenses the July 17 meeting to about 30 minutes (audio)

FM #1242 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1242 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. The Council met on Wednesday, July 17, 2024 for the first meeting of the Fiscal Year 2025. We met Thursday morning to recap the 3 hour session. 

We look to focus on 

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

Topics for this session:

• A  number of citizens’ comments accounted for approx. 30 minutes of the meeting before the Council began its business.

• The zoning change for the parcel on King St while forwarded to second reading by a 5-4 vote was roundly defeated by an 8-0-1 (1 absent) vote.

• The override and budget discussion resulted in two actions. 

• One - consensus to begin with a Joint Budget series of meetings to work on determining the future (assuming yes, when?), and getting consensus among the 3 committees (Town Council, School Committee and Finance Committee) on an amount for an earlier spring vote.

• Two - the Council did vote to take $1M from the debt stabilization account to provide for additional funding for the School budget. The School Committee will vote to accept the funding at their next scheduled August meeting (Aug 13). (After this vote Cormier-Leger left the session)

• A set of 3 bylaws to change downtown commercial zoning to bring the Town into compliance with the MBTA regulations were approved and moved to second reading. The second reading will be a Council meeting in August.

• The zoning change for the mill store property on Union St was approved and moved to second reading (also at a meeting in August)

• The Council also voted to approve the land swap deal with the state. This work started approx. 11 years ago and finally getting to the changing of the deeds stage to complete. This will set up for future renovation & enhancements to the Beaver St recycling Center.

• Resolution 24-49: Acceptance of Gifts - Veterans’ Service Department ($700), Senior Center ($381), Franklin Public Library ($500)

The recording runs about 29 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Tom.

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1247-town-council-quarterbacking-07-18-24/

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

The Franklin TV video of the 3 hour session can be found ->  https://www.youtube.com/live/dvI5kTzZqP0?si=Od24AGR5njNiF99I&t=67 

Agenda document for this session: 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/tc_agenda_july_17_2024.pdf 

My notes as captured during the session can be found in one PDF

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rUWE6iK-G1T7xnVsjgXiGj2-l2P9S9Kg/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"

Town Council approves additional $1M for schools, starts process for override, turns down King St parcel zoning change (video)

The Town Council met as scheduled on Wednesday, July 17. 7 members were present in Council Chambers, one participated remotely (Cormier-Leger), one was absent (Hamblen). For the time when Cormier-Leger participated all votes were recorded via roll call.

Quick summary

• A number of citizens comments accounted for approx. 30 minutes of the meeting before the Council began its business.
• The zoning change for the parcel on King St while forwarded to second reading by a 5-4 vote was roundly defeated by an 8-0-1 (1 absent) vote.
• The override and budget discussion resulted in two actions. 
• One - consensus to begin with a Joint Budget series of meetings to work on determining the future (assuming yes, when?), and getting consensus among the 3 committees (Town Council, School Committee and Finance Committee) on an amount for an earlier spring vote.
• Two - the Council did vote to take $1M from the debt stabilization account to provide for additional funding for the School budget. The School Committee will vote to accept the funding at their next scheduled August meeting (Aug 13). (After this vote Cormier-Leger left the session)
• A set of 3 bylaws to change downtown commercial zoning to bring the Town into compliance with the MBTA regulations were approved and moved to second reading. The second reading will be a Council meeting in August.
• The zoning change for the mill store property on Union St was approved and moved to second reading (also at a meeting in August)
• The Council also voted to approve the land swap deal with the state. This work started approx. 11 years ago and finally getting to the changing of the deeds stage to complete. This will set up for future renovation & enhancements to the Beaver St recycling Center.

The Franklin TV video of the 3 hour session can be found ->  https://www.youtube.com/live/dvI5kTzZqP0?si=Od24AGR5njNiF99I&t=67

Agenda document for this session: 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/tc_agenda_july_17_2024.pdf

My notes as captured during the session can be found in one PDF

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rUWE6iK-G1T7xnVsjgXiGj2-l2P9S9Kg/view?usp=drive_link

Franklin, MA: Town Council -Agenda for Meeting July 17, 2024 at 7 PM

Town of Franklin: Meetings Taking Place - Wednesday, July 17, 2024

Tomorrow there will be three different meetings taking place at Town Hall!

The Davis-Thayer Reuse Advisory Committee will meet at 4:00 PM in the Council Chambers.  Agenda ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/dt_meeting_agenda_7.17.24.pdf

This will be followed by the Economic Development Subcommittee at 5:45 PM in the Council Chambers  ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/edc_agenda_july_17_2024.pdf

Finally, the night will end with the Town Council meeting at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/tc_agenda_july_17_2024.pdf

Town of Franklin: Meetings Taking Place - Wednesday, July 17, 2024

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/meetings-taking-place-tomorrow-wednesday-july-17-2024

Franklin, MA: Town Council -Agenda for Meeting July 17, 2024 at 7 PM

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

July 17, 2024 - 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. 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. June 26, 2024   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/3a._june_26_2024_tc_meeting_minutes_-draft_for_review_-_google_docs.pdf

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS - None Scheduled.

5. APPOINTMENTS - None Scheduled.

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

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled.

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Override Discussion & FY25 Budget Adjustment #2   

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/8a._1_-_memo_-_override_and_1_million.pdf

i. Legislation for Action # 9a

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 24-50: Budget Stabilization Account Transfer to the Franklin Public School’s FY25 Operating Budget (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-50 - ⅔ Majority Vote)  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9a._24-50.pdf

b. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-905: Zoning Map Changes From Single Family Residential III To Business, An Area On Or Near King Street - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-905 - ⅔ Majority Roll Call Vote)  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9b._24-905.pdf

c. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-906: Changes to §185-3.  Definitions, Mixed Use Development Definition - First Reading (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-906 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9c._24-906_907_908.pdf

d. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-907: Changes to §185-21 Parking, Loading and Driveway Requirements, Elimination of Minimum Parking Requirements in Downtown Commercial Zoning District - First Reading

(Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-907 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9d._bylaw_amendment_24-907.pdf

e. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-908: §185 Attachment 7. Part VI, Addition of Mixed Use Development to Use Regulation Schedule - First Reading (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-908 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9e._24-908.pdf

f. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-913: Zoning Map Changes from Business to Commercial I, an Area on Union Street Near Franklin Crossing - First Reading (Motion to move Bylaw Amendment 24-913 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9f._24-913_-_union_st._mill_store.pdf

g. Resolution 24-42: Authorization for Town to Implement Chapter 193 of Legislative Acts of 2018 Landfill Land Swap Legislation, so-called

(Motion to Approve Resolution 24-42 - ⅔ Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9g._24-42_-_landfill_land_swap.pdf

h. Resolution 24-49: Acceptance of Gifts - Veterans’ Service Department ($700), Senior Center ($381), Franklin Public Library ($500) (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-49 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9h._24-49.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. COUNCILOR 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 full agenda and docs released for this meeting can be found ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/tc_agenda_july_17_2024.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council -Agenda for Meeting July 17, 2024 at 7 PM

4th of July Celebration - Thursday, July 4, 2024

The Franklin 4th of July Coalition schedule of events for Thursday, July 4, 2024.

Carnival

• MEGAPASS: 12 - 10 PM
• Ride Wristbands: 12 - 5 PM

Food

• pizza, hot dogs, water - Franklin Democratic Town Committee
• ice cream sandwiches, cold soft drinks - 4th of July Coalition
• French fries, fried dough - Franklin Rod & Gun Club
• root beer floats, nachos, corn dogs - Franklin Republican Town Committee

Music

• 12:00 - Matt Zajac
• 1:15 - Jamie Barrett
• 3:00 - Ken Freeman & The Sunset Brothers
• 4:30 - Jesse Liam Band
• 7:00 - Neon Lighthouse

The 4th of July Celebration is totally supported by donations, consider contributing to the cause -> https://www.franklin4th.com/

4th of July Celebration

In this Quarterbacking session, we condense the 5 hour 45 minute Town Council session June 26 to less than 30 minutes (audio)

FM #1242 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1242 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. The Council met on Wednesday, June 26, 2024 for the last meeting of the Fiscal Year 2024. As the session was a marathon one, extending into Thursday morning, completing at 12:45 AM, we met on Friday to recap the long 5 hour and 45 minute session. 

We look to focus on 

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

Topics for this session:

• Recognition 

• of Rabbi Tom Alpert retiring

• Of Gabrielle “Ellie” Dalton & Community Outreach Dog, “Officer” Ben Franklin

• Failed to approve the license transfers between BJs and Pour Richard's. Likely to be appealed and appeal upheld by ABCC (the reasons the Council verbalized for denial are not within the 2 criteria allowed per ABCC regulations, as I understand things)

• After much discussion, cut the Town budget $1.1M to provide that money to the FPS school budget. Also in principle agreed to fund another $1M next month from debt stabilization

• Raised water rate, Trash/recycle rate, & storm water rate

g. By-Law Amendment 24-910: Chapter 82, Municipal Service Fees Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Water Usage Rates - Second Reading 

h. By-Law Amendment 24-911: Chapter 82, Municipal Service Fees Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Curbside Trash Fee - Second Reading 

i. By-Law Amendment 24-912: Chapter 82, Municipal Service Fees Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Stormwater Service Charge - Second Reading  (Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 24-912 - Majority Roll Call Vote)

• TA Report

• Road condition report published

• Finance reorganization

• Linda Darling appointed, Chris Sandini retiring, Kerri Bertone appointed, org chart coming next time

The recording runs about 27 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Tom.

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1242-town-council-quarterbacking-06-28-24

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The Franklin TV broadcast 06/05/24  ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JkF-BLT5Vns 

Agenda - > 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_-_june_26_2024.pdf 

Updated budget document -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/june_26_2024_town_council_meeting_agenda_fixed.pdf

My notes for this meeting  captured via Twitter can be found in one PDF file -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fFz4yUhZUIdxhE9P_mi6ASkaLwWnMiw5/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"

In this Quarterbacking session, we condense the 5 hour 45 minute Town Council session June 26 to less than 30 minutes (audio)