4 hour plus Town Council meeting?? try our 30 minute condensed recap (audio)

FM #1485 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1485 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 Monday, July 28, 2025. Our conversation condensed the Town Council meeting of July 23, 2025.

We focus on two questions:

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

Discussion items: 

Fire Department - Swearing In of New Firefighter / Paramedic 

• i. Jeffrey Wolcott, a backfill for an existing & funded position

Annual Reappointments and New Appointments of Boards and Committees Members 

• i. See “Committee Appointments” in packet for member names

ABCC Transactions

• New Section 12 Restaurant All Alcoholic Beverages License and Approval of Xiao Xia Zhang as the Manager - Kojo Asian Fusion LLC d/b/a Kojo, Located at 28 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038.

• License Modification - Change of Location of a Section 15 Wine and Malt Beverages Package Store License: The Little Shop of Olive Oils Inc. d/b/a The Little Shop of Olive Oils,, Located at 5 Main St., Franklin, MA 02038

Legislation for Action

• Resolution 25-27: FY26 Community Preservation Appropriation of Funds - Capital 

Friendly 40b

• Resolution 25-49: Franklin Town Council Support for Proposed GL Chapter 40B Affordable Housing Project at 202 Washington Street Pursuant to DHCD’s Local Initiative Program (LIP)

Residential Commercial Kitchens

• j. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-938: Residential Commercial Kitchens - A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185, Section 3 of the Code of the Town of Franklin

• Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-939: Residential Commercial Kitchens - A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at Chapter 185, Attachment 8, Use Regulations Schedule Part Vii: Accessory Uses - Referral to the Planning Board

New Service Fee

• Bylaw Amendment 25-940: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Fees, Municipal Service, by Adding a New Service Fee: Residential Commercial Kitchen - First Reading. Moved to 2nd

Resolution 25-50: Adoption of Local Initiative Program “Friendly 40B” Policy, 

• Motion to Amend, fails 4-5

• Motion to table and deliberate at a future meeting, Seconded. Nondebatable - Via roll call, passes 5-4 to be tabled for later date (Yes - Sheridan, Frongillo, Pellegri, Hamblen, Mercer; No - Cormier-Leger, Chandler, Jones, Dellorco)

Crossing Neighborhood Zoning District

• Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-929: Creation of the Crossing Neighborhood Zoning District - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Section 4,Districts Enumerated - Referral to the Planning Board Motion to referral, second 

• Next 6 votes all relate to this one, all 6 moved to Planning Board, to return to Council likely in September

EV Charging Stations

• Bylaw Amendment 25-936: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 73, Departmental Revolving Funds (EV Charging Stations) 

• Bylaw Amendment 25–937: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82,Fees, Municipal Service (EV Charging Stations) 

Acceptance of Gifts

• Resolution 25-51: Acceptance of Gifts - Senior Center ($1,646), Veterans’ Services ($400), Fire Department ($1,025), Police Department ($1,000), Recreation (AED)

TOWN ADMINISTRATORS REPORT

• Research forthcoming on alcohol license handling. Options for other than the Council 

• Local aid cut $231,000 from final State budget; Further pressure next year, Aug 11 Finance Cmte

• Raeleen Gallivan has a new position elsewhere closer to her home

• Amy Frigulietti has a new position in Yarmouth

The conversation runs about 33 minutes Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1485-town-council-quarterbacking-07-28-25/

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

The Franklin TV video for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Dc10zX_m3k 

The agenda docs and supporting material ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07232025-1829 

My full set of notes: 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HG6gba9gs32QQmenYy89A426iD-eGNLd/view?usp=drive_link 

Audio link ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1484-town-council-mtg-07-23-25/ 

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

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

4 hour plus Town Council meeting?? try our 30 minute condensed recap (audio)

Town Council spends almost 5 hours conducting business on Wednesday (recap & audio)

The chock full agenda for the only July meeting of the Franklin Town Council kept the group active until almost 11 PM (6 PM start).

All 9 councilors participated initially. Councilor Frongillo recused himself during the Crossing Neighborhood discussion and did not return for the remainder of the session. 

Councilors Dellorco and Hamblen were commended twice by Chair Mercer for coming to the meeting in person (from their vacation) to allow the group to avoid roll call on every vote (not just the bylaw acceptance that requires it whether remote or not)

The Franklin TV video for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Dc10zX_m3k

The agenda docs and supporting material ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07232025-1829 

Recap:

Town Clerk Nancy Danello provides update on forthcoming local election in Nov, nomination papers available Aug 4 by appointment only with Clerk's office. Due back by Sep 15, Sep 22 to withdraw before ballot goes to print. Early voting dates, etc. coming later

Citizen Comments

Bob Kaufman provides view on the decision to hot accept the donation to fund the position cut by the override repercussions. Council on Aging voted to recommend not accepting, his vote was the only one for accepting

the donation

E Ambrose, teacher speaking for school resource officers. Benefit of k9 unit to help students arrive and stay in school, for those who are the most at risk. Multiple other types of support, having a female officer is also a good role model

D Doherty teacher not returning this Sep, speaking for the resource officers return if and when funds available

Fire Department - Swearing In of New Firefighter / Paramedic = i. Jeffrey Wolcott

a backfill for an existing & funded position

Annual Reappointments and New Appointments of Boards and Committees Members i. See “Committee Appointments” in packet for member names. Motion to approve, second, discussion. Measure passed 9 to 0

ABCC Transactions

New Section 12 Restaurant All Alcoholic Beverages License and Approval of Xiao Xia Zhang as the Manager - Kojo Asian Fusion LLC d/b/a Kojo, Located at 28 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038. Attorney provides overview of new operation. Manager is tips trained, all staff will be tips trained, depending upon contractors for minor renovations. License will be held until inspections completed. Motion to approve, second, passes 9-0

License Modification - Change of Location of a Section 15 Wine and Malt Beverages Package Store License: The Little Shop of Olive Oils Inc. d/b/a The Little Shop of Olive Oils,, Located at5 Main St., Franklin, MA 02038

Public hearing opens, Moving 2 front of building, gaining more space. Hearing closes, no questions comments from audience or council. Motion to approve, second, passes 9-0

Legislation for Action

Resolution 25-27: FY26 Community Preservation Appropriation of Funds - Capital. Moved, second, discussion. The presentation to the community preservation committee earlier this year.  Preservation and restoration of the exterior of the United Methodist Church next door to the Historical Museum After discussion it was approved by CPC for review here. After much discussion, clarification questions, per Attny Cerel, "not a precedent", legally defensible for preservation funds. Motion carries, 9-0

Resolution 25-49: Franklin Town Council Support for Proposed GL Chapter 40B Affordable Housing Project at 202 Washington Street Pursuant to DHCD’s Local Initiative Program (LIP): https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6279/9b-25-49---202-Washington-Street. Attorney and Project consultant presenting, 39 units, 10 will be Affordable, Deed restricted, triplex units, 4 bedrooms all second floor, (found typo on 3 vs 4 bedrooms) actually 4. Volatile to forecast as to what the actual Affordable rate would be. K Miller 246 Washington Street: What is the money for? Projecting 100 kids from the project , pulled info from town reports ... Rezoning in 2012, streets will be private, kids come to Washington Street to meet the school buses, industrial development across the street, retention pond close to the existing houses; is it sized properly? 6 percent grade slope, the water is going down. $800K mentioned at planning board, project across the street is still in construction zone 3.5years, how long will it take? 255000 sq ft warehouse off King St not yet built is the neighbor. After much discussion, Vote on the motion, 9-0

4 minute recess

Resolution 25-50: Adoption of Local Initiative Program “Friendly 40B” Policy

Skipping ahead as TA Hellen is not yet back

j. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-938: Residential Commercial Kitchens - A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185, Section 3 of the Code of the Town of Franklin - Ref to the PB Motion to refer to planning board, 2nd, discussion This is residential area with restriction to not on town sewer State code limitations, and board of health governance; only a 1/3 of the houses are on septic systems so this is the area of opportunity. Vote on the motion, 9-0

Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-939: Residential Commercial Kitchens - A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at Chapter 185, Attachment 8, Use Regulations Schedule Part Vii: Accessory Uses - Referral to the Planning Board

Moved to refer, second, Vote on the motion, 9-0

Bylaw Amendment 25-940: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Fees, Municipal Service, by Adding a New Service Fee: Residential Commercial Kitchen - First Reading. Moved to 2nd, second, discussion. Fee commensurate with others, passes 9-0

Back to the started resolution (Jamie had returned to Chambers shortly after changing topic earlier)

Resolution 25-50: Adoption of Local Initiative Program “Friendly 40B” Policy, moved, second, discussion Jamie here to speak to the proposal, codifies the prior process. Frongillo this takes away our ability, direct contrast to master plan... Doesn't support as drafted, does have language to modify this. Dellorco doesn't like the "affordable" when it really is not. Cormier-Ledger we are not solving the issue of the need for low income households, it does acknowledge that we have listened. Discussion around affordability, lack thereof, 40b and state requirements, talk with Jeff & Becca when they come in September. The survey results clearly call for rental priorities. If Franklin Ridge and St John's are rentals would be forced. 

• Motion to Amend, fails 4-5
• Motion to table and deliberate at a future meeting, Seconded. Nondebatable - Via roll call, passes 5-4 to be tabled for later date (Yes - Sheridan, Frongillo, Pellegri, Hamblen, Mercer; No - Cormier-Leger, Chandler, Jones, Dellorco)

Crossing Neighborhood Zoning District

Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-929: Creation of the Crossing Neighborhood Zoning District - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Section 4,Districts Enumerated - Referral to the Planning Board Motion to referral, second

Next 6 votes all relate to this one 

Jamie provides update on copying downtown commercial to create the Crossing Neighborhood; only 2 big differences, restriction to 3 story; parking added back as a requirement (not in commercial)

Amy Love chimes in on the togetherness of the proposal.

Note: Frongillo recused 

Did amend to add a parking facility to allow additional parking if proposed

After the discussion on this first Bylaw, the remainder should be easier with less discussion

Confirm currently at 50 feet with special permits, changing to 3 story is good

Discussion on multiple steps if they do happen future changes to remove the commercial parking could be considered. Need the MBTA lot at the corner, which will take time

• Vote on the motion, 8-0-1 (1 recused)
• Zoning Bylaw 25-930: Zoning Map Changes: Crossing Neighborhood Zoning District - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Section 5, Zoning Map -Referral to the Planning Board Waived reading, moved to refer, passes 8-0-1
• Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-931: The Crossing Zoning Use Regulations - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Use Regulation Schedule, Part I through Part VII - Referral to the Planning Board Reading waived, motion to refer sec, passes 8-0-1
• Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-932: The Crossing Zoning District - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Schedule of Lot, Area, Frontage, Yard and Height Requirements - Referral to the Planning Board Reading waived, Referral passes 8-0-1
• Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-933: Crossing Neighborhood Zoning District - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Section 21, Parking, Loading and Driveway Requirements - Referral to the Planning Board Reading waived, Referral passes 8-0-1
• Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-934: Crossing Neighborhood Crossing District - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Sections 3, 4, 20 & 31 -Referral to the Planning Board Reading waived, Referral passes 8-0-1

Bylaw Amendment 25-936: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 73, Departmental Revolving Funds (EV Charging Stations) - Second Reading - Reading waived, motion to approve 8-0-1 via roll call

Bylaw Amendment 25–937: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82,Fees, Municipal Service (EV Charging Stations) - Second Reading

Reading waived, motion passes 8-0-1 via roll call

Resolution 25-51: Acceptance of Gifts - Senior Center ($1,646), Veterans’ Services ($400), Fire Department ($1,025), Police Department ($1,000), Recreation (AED) - Motion to approve, second, passes 8-0-1 (1 absent, Frongillo did not return to session after recusing earlier)

TOWN ADMINISTRATORS REPORT

• Thanks to Julie, Karen insurance program maxed credits, saved $53k off bill
• 25k grant for fitness equipment at senior center
• Supportive day program invited to State to present
• Congrats to Kerri Bertone appointed to Norfolk County Municipal Officers body
• Research forthcoming on alcohol license handling. Options for other than the Council 
• Local aid cut $231,000 from final State budget
• Further pressure next year, Aug 11 Finance Cmte
• Raelyn has a new position, Amy has a new position in Yarmouth

Motion to adjourn - That's all for tonight, catch you next time

My full set of notes: 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HG6gba9gs32QQmenYy89A426iD-eGNLd/view?usp=drive_link

Audio link ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1484-town-council-mtg-07-23-25/

Town Council spends almost 5 hours conducting business on Wednesday (video)

The chock full agenda for the only July meeting of the Franklin Town Council kept the group active until almost 11 PM (6 PM start).

All 9 councilors participated initially. Councilor Frongillo recused himself during the Crossing Neighborhood discussion and did not return for the remainder of the session. 

Councilors Dellorco and Hamblen were commended twice by Chair Mercer for coming to the meeting in person (from their vacation) to allow the group to avoid roll call on every vote (not just the bylaw acceptance that requires it whether remote or not)

The Franklin TV video for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Dc10zX_m3k

The agenda docs and supporting material ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07232025-1829 

My full set of notes captured during the meeting in one PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HG6gba9gs32QQmenYy89A426iD-eGNLd/view?usp=drive_link

Franklin, MA: Chock full Agenda for the Town Council Meeting, yes, it starts at 6 PM

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

July 23, 2025 at 6:00 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. 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 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. June 4, 2025  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6270/3a-June-4-2025-TC-Meeting-Minutes--Draft-for-Review

b. June 18, 2025  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6285/3b-June-18-2025-TC-Meeting-Minutes--Draft-for-Review

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

a. Fire Department - Swearing In of New Firefighter / Paramedic

i. Jeffrey Wolcott

5. APPOINTMENTS

a. Annual Reappointments and New Appointments of Boards and Committees Members

i. See “Committee Appointments” in packet for member names  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6294/5a-Committee-Renewals

 

6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM

a. New Section 12 Restaurant All Alcoholic Beverages License and Approval of Xiao Xia Zhang as the Manager - Kojo Asian Fusion LLC d/b/a Kojo, Located at 28 East Central Street,

Franklin, MA 02038

i. License Transaction # 7a  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6273/6a---ABCC-application-Kojo-Franklin-Packet

b. License Modification - Change of Location of a Section 15 Wine and Malt Beverages Package Store License: The Little Shop of Olive Oils Inc. d/b/a The Little Shop of Olive Oils,, Located at 5 Main St., Franklin, MA 02038

i. License Transaction # 7b  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6272/6b---Little-Shop-of-Olive-Oils-Packet

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

a. New Section 12 Restaurant All Alcoholic Beverages License and Approval of Xiao Xia Zhang as the Manager - Kojo Asian Fusion LLC d/b/a Kojo, Located at 28 East Central Street,

Franklin, MA 02038 

 

b. License Modification - Change of Location of a Section 15 Wine and Malt Beverages Package Store License: The Little Shop of Olive Oils Inc. d/b/a The Little Shop of Olive Oils,, Located at 5 Main St., Franklin, MA 02038 

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION - None Scheduled

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION -

a. Resolution 25-27: FY26 Community Preservation Appropriation of Funds - Capital (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-27 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6288/9a-25-27---Methodist-Church

b. Resolution 25-49: Franklin Town Council Support for Proposed GL Chapter 40B Affordable Housing Project at 202 Washington Street Pursuant to DHCD’s Local Initiative Program (LIP): (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-49 - Majority Vote)   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6279/9b-25-49---202-Washington-Street

c. Resolution 25-50: Adoption of Local Initiative Program “Friendly 40B” Policy

(Motion to Approve Resolution 25-50 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6291/9c-25-50---Friendly-40B-Policy

d. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-929: Creation of the Crossing Neighborhood Zoning District - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Section 4, Districts Enumerated - Referral to the Planning Board

(Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-929 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6280/9d-Crossing-Neighborhood-Zoning

e. Zoning Bylaw 25-930: Zoning Map Changes: Crossing Neighborhood Zoning District - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Section 5, Zoning Map - Referral to the Planning Board

(Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-930 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6290/9e-ZONING-BYLAW-ADMENDMENT-25-930---Crossing-Neighborhood-District---Zoning-Map

f. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-931: The Crossing Zoning Use Regulations - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Use Regulation Schedule, Part I through Part VII - Referral to the Planning Board

(Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-931 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6261/9f-ZONING-BYLAW-ADMENDMENT-25-930---Crossing-Neighborhood-District---Zoning-Map

g. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-932: The Crossing Zoning District - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Schedule of Lot, Area, Frontage, Yard and Height Requirements - Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-932 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6262/9g-ZONING-BYLAW-ADMENDMENT-25-931---Crossing-Neighborhood-District---Use-Regulation-Schedule

h. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-933: Crossing Neighborhood Zoning District - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Section 21, Parking, Loading and Driveway Requirements - Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-933 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6265/9i-ZONING-BYLAW-ADMENDMENT-25-933---Crossing-Neighborhood-District---Parking-etc-reqs

i. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-934: Crossing Neighborhood Crossing District - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Sections 3, 4, 20 & 31 - Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-934 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6264/9j-ZONING-BYLAW-ADMENDMENT-25-934---Crossing-Neighborhood-District---Chapter-185-Sections-3-4-20-31

j. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-938: Residential Commercial Kitchens - A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185, Section 3 of the Code of the Town of Franklin - Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-938 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6289/9j-25-938---Home-Occupation-Bylaw-1

k. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-939: Residential Commercial Kitchens - A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at Chapter 185, Attachment 8, Use Regulations Schedule Part Vii: Accessory Uses - Referral to the Planning Board

(Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-939 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6276/9k-ZONING-BYLAW-AMENDMENT-25-939---Residential-Commercial-Kitchen-Use-Regulation-Schedule

l. Bylaw Amendment 25-940: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Fees, Municipal Service, by Adding a New Service Fee: Residential Commercial Kitchen - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 25-940 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6281/9l---ZONING-BYLAW-AMENDMENT-25-940---CHAPTER-82-FEES-MUNICIPAL-SERVICE---Residential-Commercial-Kitchen

m. Bylaw Amendment 25-936: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 73, Departmental Revolving Funds (EV Charging Stations) - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 25-936 - Majority Roll Call Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6283/9m-25-936-and-937---EV-Charging-Stations

n. Bylaw Amendment 25–937: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Fees, Municipal Service (EV Charging Stations) - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 25-937 - Majority Roll Call Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6284/9n-BYLAW-AMENDMENT-25-937---Ch-82-Fees---EV-Charging-Stations

o. Resolution 25-51: Acceptance of Gifts - Senior Center ($1,646), Veterans’ Services ($400), Fire Department ($1,025), Police Department ($1,000), Recreation (AED) (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-51 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6286/9o-25-51--Gift-Acceptance---Sr-Ctr-Veterans-Fire-Police-Rec

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATORS REPORT

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Capital Budget Subcommittee

b. Economic Development Subcommittee

c. Joint Budget Subcommittee

d. Police Station Building Committee

e. GATRA Advisory Board

Franklin, MA: Chock full Agenda for the
Town Council Meeting, yes, it starts at 6 PM

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION - None Scheduled

15. ADJOURN

The agenda doc includes associated supporting materials as well as remote participation info ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07232025-1829

Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

Economic Development Subcmte spends 3 hours in discussion on Wednesday (audio)

FM #1480 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1480 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting on Wednesday, July 16, 2025 in the 3rd Floor Training Room. 

3 members were present and participated in the first agenda item. Once that was complete, the 4th member, Cobi Frongillo joined them for the remainder of the session. He had recused himself from the Crossing Neighborhood District discussion to avoid a conflict of interest. His father's business is located in that potential district.

Quick recap:

Item 1 - Crossing Neighborhood

• TA Jamie Hellen provides the overview of the background on the proposal for the Crossing Neighborhood. Multiple zoning bylaws make up the "package" to work together. Direct link to the memo providing the overview https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6226/1a-DPCD-Memo---Crossing-Neighborhood-Zoning-District---71625

• Hamblen looks at this as a "mini downtown commercial". She raises an issue on 3 family by right, J Halligan notes that the current bylaw actually includes the proper language; apparently in the draft, the section language got left out. It can be included (and should) without vote to modify this. An oversight on version control. This identifies a couple of updates to the online zoning codes as they were changed just not reflected in the current versions

• After much discussion

• Motion to amend 2.3 8a from no to planning board special permit Passes 3-0

• Motion to move to Town council as amended, second passes 3-0

Item 2 - Use Variances

• Discussion on Recommendation on eliminating “Use Variances” from the authority within the Zoning Board of Appeals

• Discussion on elimination of use variance from approval by the ZBA, which in those cases tend to overstep their authority; the restriction was intentionally made by the zoning bylaws with PB and Council approval and then the ZBA can act on their own...

• After much discussion, Motion to move to council for further discussion (Jones)

• Not seconded, hence the move does not take place. There will be some discussion overall on this topic in a positive manner per Hamblen

Item 3 - update on World Cup

• FIFA requirements will host the fan center in Boston. We are still figuring out what we can do. Artificial Turf fields are not used by international games (Gillette is redone with real grass for international games)

• Lots of other events at the same time; Highland games, Tall Ships, etc

• Marketing via MetroWest on the benefits of Franklin. Hotel outreach, transportation planning needed; Porchfest, 4th of July also in similar time frames... Found in Franklin market for goods, crafts

Item 4 - EDC goals

• On the one hand, given the length of the meeting and discussions there seemed little interest in this item; only one member Frongillo was prepared with a short list of priorities

• Recognition from TA Hellen that until B Taberner's replacement is hired, there is very little staff to do the additional work

Motion to adjourn, passes 4-0

The recording of the meeting runs about 3 hours.   

Audio link ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1480-economic-development-subcmte-mtg-07-16-25/

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Economic Development Subcmte mtg

Franklin TV video replay is available -> https://www.youtube.com/live/6hKdQIw9rpQ 

The EDC agenda and supporting documents

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07162025-1818 

My full set of notes in one PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ME-F_qCpL61vAQz0NeBnFDIakEXX3mzO/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?

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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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