Showing posts with label zoning bylaw. Show all posts
Showing posts with label zoning bylaw. Show all posts

Tuesday, March 12, 2024

Glenn Jones talks about what the Master Plan Update Committee is doing and the Open House March 23 (audio)

FM #1155 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1155 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Town Councilor Glenn Jones. Glenn is currently Chair for the Master Plan Update Committee. They have been working diligently for the past year to revise and update the “Master Plan” for Franklin


The Committee is preparing for the Open House event, March 23. To be held at Dean College, 60 School St from 11 AM to 3 PM. Refreshments will be provided by Dean College.


We talk through the Master Planning process and what remains ahead of them.


The audio recording runs about 45 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Glenn on the Master Plan and come to hear more on March 23 at Dean College. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1155-master-plan-update-with-glenn-jones-03-05-24



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Master Plan Update Committee page -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/master-plan-update-committee


Inventory Report (Updated) -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/franklin_master_plan_inventory_assessment-rev_03-07-2024_ia_with_maps.pdf 


Event info for March 23 -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/town-franklin-master-plan-open-house-march-23-2024 



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

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"


Glenn Jones talks about what the Master Plan Update Committee is doing and the Open House March 23 (audio)
Glenn Jones talks about what the Master Plan Update Committee is doing and the Open House March 23 (audio)

Sunday, March 10, 2024

Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for the March 13, 2024 Meeting

FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL
Agenda & Meeting Packet
March 13, 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
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 - None Scheduled

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
a. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-905: Zoning Map Changes From Single Family Residential III To Business, An Area On Or Near King Street
(Motion to Refer Bylaw Amendment 24-905 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)  
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/zoning_bylaw_amendment_24-905.pdf
b. Resolution 24-14: Direction for Issuance of Request for Expressions of Interest for Purchase / Lease and Redevelopment of Former Davis Thayer Elementary School, 137 West Central St. (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-14 - Majority Vote)  
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/resolution_24-14.pdf
c. Resolution 24-15: Gift Acceptance - Franklin Public Library ($4,817.48) (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-15 - Majority Vote)  
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/24-15-_gift_acceptance_library_0.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
a. Exemption #1:To discuss the reputation, character, physical condition or mental health, rather than professional competence, of an individual, or to discuss the discipline or dismissal of, or complaints or charges brought against, a public officer, employee, staff member or Individuals. 
b. Exemption #3: Collective Bargaining (Police, Fire, Public Works, Facilities, Library) - To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the public body and the chair so declares.
15. ADJOURN

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


Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for the March 13, 2024 Meeting
Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for the March 13, 2024 Meeting

Monday, March 4, 2024

Town Council spends 2 hours and takes "no action" on zoning proposal (audio)

FM #1150 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1150 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares the Town Council meeting held in Council Chambers on Wednesday, February 18, 2024. All 9 members  of the Council participated in the Council Chambers. 


Most of the first 2 hours was spent on a healthy conversation around the proposed zoning change from residential to business for two lots on King St near the Fire station. 


The Council after spending almost 2 hours listening to the proposal (no specific business use was proposed) (the real question was should the lot be residential or business?), the Council decided to take "no action". This move allows them to refer the zoning change back to the Planning Board which while they had a quorum discuss this previously, the recommendation came back with only 3 votes, not the full 5 of the Board (due to the recent election).


Quick recap:

  • Brownie troop 64085 led the pledge as part of the work on the Democracy badge

  • The minutes for the Jan meeting were approved

  • The OPEB financial report was presented and reviewed, we are in a better position than we were previously

  • FY24 Capital Improvement Plan was approved

  • associated transfers to account for the funding approval were also approved

  • The Council voted to support the Pending State Legislation Entitled “The Municipal Empowerment Act”

  • The Revised 2024 Town Council Meeting Schedule was approved

  • Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Dept. ($2,900), Senior Center ($200), Police Dept. ($50)  were approved with thanks

  • Designation of “Special Municipal Employee” Under State Ethics Law were approved for newly create committees not previously covered by this move (housekeeping)

  • Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44, §53F3/4 actually 2 resolutions were approved. If the "empowerment Act noted above becomes law, this kind of approval would disappear from Council agendas

  • Council entered executive session to not return to open meeting for discussion of a matter regarding a real estate purchase

  • Joint Budget SubCmte meeting on March 6 will begin work on how to resolve a $10.5M budget deficit across town and school budgets. Agenda and budget details to be released Friday March 1


The recording runs almost 3 hours. Let’s listen to the Town Council meeting on Feb 28, 2024.  Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1150-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-02-28-24



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The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqa0QHtahmQ 


Town Council agenda doc ->  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_2.28.24.pdf 


My full set of notes captured via Twitter during the meeting are collected in a single PDF for easier reading  ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CBubvtPzSJSvQakhmMx1X7M44cCPu7W_/view?usp=drive_link 


Photos captured during the meeting can be found in one album ->   https://photos.app.goo.gl/sH38Yj6iD5yE6KPQ9


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

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.


If you have interest in reporting on the various Town and School meetings, let me know. Training and mentoring is available.


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"


Brownie troop 64085 led the pledge
Brownie troop 64085 led the pledge

Friday, March 1, 2024

In this Town Council Quarterbacking session, we recap the meeting of Feb 28, 2024 (audio)

FM #1148 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1148 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, February 29, 2023.  


ok, what just happened? 

What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?


Topics for this session

  • Brownie troop 64085 led the pledge as part of their work on the Democracy badge

  • Zoning change from residential to business, two hours, “No action”

    • Procedural move to refer back to the Planning Board for their ‘full’ assessment & recommendation

  • The OPEB financial report was presented and reviewed, we are in a better position than we were previously

  • FY24 Capital Improvement Plan was approved

  • Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Dept. ($2,900), Senior Center ($200), Police Dept. ($50)  were approved with thanks

  • Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44, §53F3/4 actually 2 resolutions were approved. 

  • Joint Budget SubCmte meeting on March 6 will begin work on how to resolve a $10.1M budget deficit across town and school budgets. Agenda and budget details to be released Friday March 1

  • Council entered executive session to not return to open meeting for discussion of a matter regarding a real estate purchase


The recording runs about 39 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Tom on Thursday, February 29, 2024. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1148-town-council-quarterbacking-02-29-24



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


Town Council agenda for Feb 28, 2024 meeting -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_2.28.24.pdf 


Town Council recap & video link -> 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/02/town-council-spends-2-hours-and-takes.html 


My notes captured via Twitter and collected in one PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CBubvtPzSJSvQakhmMx1X7M44cCPu7W_/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 Town Council Quarterbacking session, we recap the meeting of Feb 28, 2024 (audio)
In this Town Council Quarterbacking session, we recap the meeting of Feb 28, 2024 (audio)


Thursday, February 29, 2024

Town Council spends 2 hours and takes "no action" on zoning proposal (video)

The Franklin (MA) Town Council met as scheduled Wednesday, February 28, 2024. the first 2 hours covered the earlier portions of the meeting and most of the time was spent on a healthy conversation around the proposed zoning change from residential to business for two lots on King St near the Fire station. 

The Council after spending almost 2 hours listening to the proposal (no specific business use proposed) (the real question was should the lot be residential or business?) the Council decided to take "no action". This move allows them to refer  the zoning change back to the Planning Board which while they had a quorum discuss this previously, the recommended was with only 3 votes, not the full 5 of the Board (due to the recent election).

The Franklin TV recording is available -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqa0QHtahmQ


My notes captured during the session via Twitter can be read in one PDF ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CBubvtPzSJSvQakhmMx1X7M44cCPu7W_/view?usp=drive_link

Photos captured during the meeting can be found in one album ->   https://photos.app.goo.gl/sH38Yj6iD5yE6KPQ9

Aside from the zoning discussion:
  • Brownie troop 64085 led the pledge as part of the work on the Democracy badge
  • The minutes for the Jan meeting were approved
  • The OPEB financial report was presented and reviewed, we are in a better position than we were previously
  • FY24 Capital Improvement Plan was approved
    • associated transfers to account for the funding approval were also approved
  • The Council voted to support the Pending State Legislation Entitled “The Municipal Empowerment Act”
  • The Revised 2024 Town Council Meeting Schedule was approved
  • Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Dept. ($2,900), Senior Center ($200), Police Dept. ($50)  were approved with thanks
  • Designation of “Special Municipal Employee” Under State Ethics Law were approved for newly create committees not previously covered by this move (housekeeping)
  • Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44, §53F3/4 actually 2 resolutions were approved. If the "empowerment Act noted above becomes law, this kind of approval would disappear from Council agendas
  • Council entered executive session to not return to open meeting for discussion of a matter regarding a real estate purchase
  • Joint Budget SubCmte meeting on March 6 will begin work on how to resolve a $10.5M budget deficit across town and school budgets. Agenda and budget details to be released Friday March 1


Wednesday, February 28, 2024

Reminder: Town Council meeting February 28 at 7 PM

Among the key items for the Town Council meeting scheduled Wednesday, February 28 at 7:00 PM, are the following:


6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM
a. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-901 (formerly 23-901): Zoning Map Changes from Single Family Residential III to Business an Area On or Near King Street, A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Section 5, Zoning Map
i. Legislation for Action #9a.

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION
a. Discussion: OPEB Actuarial Report - Dan Sherman, Sherman Actuarial Services

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
b. Resolution 24-03: FY24 Capital Improvement Plan
(Motion to Approve Resolution 24-03 - Majority Vote)

Agenda doc also contains remote participation info ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_2.28.24.pdf


Sunday, February 25, 2024

Franklin, MA: Agenda for February 28, 2024 Town Council Meeting

FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL
Agenda & Meeting Packet
February 28, 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. January 31, 2024

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS - None Scheduled
5. APPOINTMENTS - None Scheduled

6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM
a. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-901 (formerly 23-901): Zoning Map Changes from Single Family Residential III to Business an Area On or Near King Street, A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Section 5, Zoning Map
i. Legislation for Action #9a.
7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
a. License Modification - Change of Manager of a Section 15 Retail Package Store License: Shaw’s Supermarkets, Inc. d/b/a Shaw’s; Located at 255 East Central St., Franklin, MA 02038
8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION
a. Discussion: OPEB Actuarial Report - Dan Sherman, Sherman Actuarial Services
9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
a. Bylaw Amendment 24-901 (formerly 23-901): Zoning Map Changes from Single Family Residential III to Business an Area On or Near King Street, 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 24-901 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)

b. Resolution 24-03: FY24 Capital Improvement Plan
(Motion to Approve Resolution 24-03 - Majority Vote)

c. Resolution 24-04: Free Cash to Stabilization Accounts Transfers
(Motion to Approve Resolution 24-04 - Majority Vote)

d. Resolution 24-08: Town Council’s Support of Pending State Legislation Entitled “The Municipal Empowerment Act” (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-08 - Majority Vote) 

e. Resolution 24-09: Revised 2024 Town Council Meeting Schedule
(Motion to approve Resolution 24-09 - Majority Vote)

f. Resolution 24-10: Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Dept. ($2,900), Senior Center ($200), Police Dept. ($50) (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-10 - Majority Vote)

g. Resolution 24-11: Designation of “Special Municipal Employee” Under State Ethics Law (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-11 - Majority Vote)

h. Resolution 24-12: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44, §53F3/4 (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-12 - Majority Vote)

i. Resolution 24-13: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44, §53F3/4 (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-13 - Majority Vote)

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Town Administrator Evaluation Ad Hoc Subcommittee Report
b. Capital Budget Subcommittee
c. Economic Development Subcommittee
d. Budget Subcommittee
e. Master Plan Committee
f. Davis-Thayer Reuse Advisory Committee
g. Police Station Building Committee
h. GATRA Advisory Board

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION
a. Considering the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property, because an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the Public Body.

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


Franklin, MA: Agenda for February 28, 2024 Town Council Meeting
Franklin, MA: Agenda for February 28, 2024 Town Council Meeting