This Town Council Quarterbacking session condenses the 7/19/23 Council meeting from 3 hours to 40 minutes (audio)

FM #1024 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1024 in the series. 

This shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer in our Town Council Quarterbacking session. This is one of the series of conversations meant to provide a recap of the prior night’s Town Council meeting. 

Akin to one of the many sports post-game analysis broadcasts we are familiar with in New England, this would be a discussion focused on the Franklin Town Council meeting of July 19, 2023: 

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following key topics

APPOINTMENTS

a. Agricultural Commission i. Nick Capoccia

b. Cultural District Committee i. Sue Cass ii. Patrick Conlan

c. Design Review Commission i. Amy Adams ii. Jim Bartro

d. Finance Committee i. Lauren Nagel

e. Franklin Cultural Council i. Carol Fletcher ii. John Ristaino

iii. Jean Wolf

Legislative Delegation visit: Senator Rebecca Rausch, Representative Jeffrey Roy

Bylaw Amendment 23-900R: Chapter 170, Vehicles and Traffic, Article IV, Stopping, Standing and Parking, §170-15 Parking Prohibitions and Limitations , D. Parking Prohibited, Downtown Parking Map Amendment - Second Reading  

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)

b.     Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-894: To Amend Chapter 185, Section 3 of the Code of the Town of Franklin to add Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Definition - Second Reading  

c. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-895R (As Further Revised): To Amend Chapter 185, Attachment 8, Use Regulations Schedule Part VII: Accessory Uses of the Franklin Town Code to Add Accessory Dwelling Residential Units - Second Reading

d. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-896: To Amend Chapter 185, Section 19 of the Code of the Town of Franklin to Add on Accessory Dwelling Unit Setbacks - Second Reading  

Resolution 23-45: Authorization for Intermunicipal Agreement with County of Norfolk for County of Norfolk to Provide Sealer of Weights and Measures Services to Town of Franklin  

Resolution 23-46: Acceptance of and Authorization for Town Administrator to Execute Conservation Restriction on Two Open Space Parcels at Brookview Condominium located off Pond Street 

Resolution 23-47: Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Dept. ($600), Fire Dept. ($300)  

Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents released for this meeting are included in the show notes. 

Our conversation runs about 42 minutes. Let’s listen to the Town Council Quarterbacking session recorded July 20, 2023.

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1024-town-council-quarterbacking-07-20-23

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The agenda doc can also be found on the Town of Franklin page ->   

 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/july_19_2023_tc_agenda.pdf

My notes in one PDF file -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nt4hKCkbmVavbV-XCPyr9d1lJTpsF3pK/view?usp=drive_link

Franklin TV meeting video ->   https://youtu.be/O8_1FbZyKJI

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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

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 your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

This Town Council Quarterbacking session condenses the 7/19/23 Council meeting from 3 hours to 40 minutes (audio)

Rausch & Roy provide updates to Town Council; Council approves accessory dwelling unit (ADU) bylaw changes (video)

The Town Council met as scheduled on Wednesday, July 19, 2023 for an almost 3 hour session. All nine councilors were present in Chambers for this session.

Approx. 90 minutes of the meeting was in the update from the Franklin legislative delegation: State Senator Becca Rausch and State Representative Jeff Roy. Just before the updates and follow up questions, Senator Rausch provided Kaye Kelly with a certification to recognize her selection as a "Heroine of the Commonwealth" as announced during June.

The Access Dwelling Unit (ADU) zoning bylaw changes were approved unanimously. This is a significant accomplishment for the Town to have approved inclusionary zoning AND the ADU changes. As was mentioned during the discussions, other communities stopped work unable to achieve the compromise necessary to reach an agreement. Franklin was able to compromise to take this significant step forward. As was also mentioned, this may not be all we need but it is a step in the right direction.

Other legislation:

• Several appointments were approved to board and committees. This complete the bulk of the renewals that occur annually. Aside from the Town Council and School Committee, all the other board and committee, elected or appointed have staggered terms of office to enable some continuity for the work that each group has underway. 
• The new parking regulations were tweaked to modify the overnight parking on Sunday through Thursday and separately on Friday-Saturday. The new kiosks are functional for the additional 70+ parking spots in the former commuter restricted parking at Ferrara's and on Depot St.
• Authorization of a Intermunicipal agreement with Norfolk County for them to provide weights & measures services to Franklin (and initially 3 other communities) was approved.
• Authorization for the Town Administrator to complete the paperwork required to complete the conservation restrictions on the two parcels of land that the Town kept when the Brookview condominiums were created along Pond St. The land provides access to the trail network along Mine Brook.
• Acceptance of donations to Veterans Service and Police department was approved 

The full agenda and documents released for this meeting can be found ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/july_19_2023_tc_agenda.pdf

My notes captured via Twitter can be found in one PDF file ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nt4hKCkbmVavbV-XCPyr9d1lJTpsF3pK/view?usp=drive_link

The Franklin TV video link ->  https://youtu.be/O8_1FbZyKJI

L-R: Kaye Kelly, Senator Becca Rausch

Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for July 19, 2023 at 7 PM

FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL

Agenda & Meeting Packet

July 19, 2023 -  7 PM

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS

a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. May 25, 2023

b. June 7, 2023

c. June 21, 2023

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

5. APPOINTMENTS

a. Agricultural Commission

i. Nick Capoccia

b. Cultural District Committee

i. Sue Cass

ii. Patrick Conlan

c. Design Review Commission

i. Amy Adams

ii. Jim Bartro

d. Finance Committee

i. Lauren Nagel

e. Franklin Cultural Council

i. Carol Fletcher

ii. John Ristaino

iii. Jean Wolf

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

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

a. License Modification - Change of Officers/Directors/LLC Managers: Shaw’s Supermarkets, Inc., d/b/a Shaw’s, Located at 255 East Central Street

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Discussion: Legislative Delegation: Senator Rebecca Rausch, Representative Jeffrey Roy

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Bylaw Amendment 23-900R: Chapter 170, Vehicles and Traffic, Article IV, Stopping, Standing and Parking, §170-15 Parking Prohibitions and Limitations, D. Parking Prohibited, Downtown Parking Map Amendment - Second Reading   (Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 23-900R - Majority Roll Call Vote)

b. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-894: To Amend Chapter 185, Section 3 of the Code of the Town of Franklin to add Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Definition - Second Reading  (Motion to Approve Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-894 - Majority Roll Call Vote)

c. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-895R (As Further Revised): To Amend Chapter 185, Attachment 8, Use Regulations Schedule Part VII: Accessory Uses of the Franklin Town Code to Add Accessory Dwelling Residential Units - Second Reading

(Motion to Approve Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-895R - Majority Roll Call Vote)

d. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-896: To Amend Chapter 185, Section 19 of the Code of the Town of Franklin to Add on Accessory Dwelling Unit Setbacks - Second Reading  (Motion to Approve Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-896 - Majority Roll Call Vote)

e. Resolution 23-45: Authorization for Intermunicipal Agreement with County of Norfolk for County of Norfolk to Provide Sealer of Weights and Measures Services to Town of Franklin  (Motion to Approve Resolution 23-45 - Majority Vote)

f. Resolution 23-46: Acceptance of and Authorization for Town Administrator to Execute Conservation Restriction on Two Open Space Parcels at Brookview Condominium located off Pond Street (Motion to Approve Resolution 23-46 - Majority Vote)

g. Resolution 23-47: Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Dept. ($600), Fire Dept. ($300)  (Motion to Approve Resolution 23-47 - Majority Vote)

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Capital Budget Subcommittee

b. Economic Development Subcommittee

c. Budget Subcommittee

d. GATRA Advisory Board

e. Master Plan Committee

f. Davis-Thayer Reuse Advisory Committee

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION - None Scheduled.

15. ADJOURN

 

Note: 

Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

The agenda document contains remote participation info along with the documents released for this session ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/july_19_2023_tc_agenda.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for July 19, 2023 at 7 PM

Notice of Public Hearing: Bylaw Amendment 23-900 - Downtown Parking District Map Amendment

Notice of Public Hearing: Bylaw Amendment 23-900 - Downtown Parking District Map Amendment

The Franklin Town Council will hold a second reading and take a final vote on the adoption of Bylaw Amendment 23-900: Chapter 170, Vehicles and Traffic, Article IV, Stopping, Standing and Parking §170-15 Parking Prohibitions and Limitations, D. Parking Prohibited, 1. Downtown Parking District, which will change the hours of no overnight parking at the Depot. St. parking lot and the Ferrara parking lot from 2am-6am to 12am-5am from Sunday through Thursday, and from 2am-6am to 2am-5am on Friday and Saturday.

This action will take place during the Town Council’s public meeting on July 19, 2023, beginning at 7:00 PM and will provide an opportunity for public input. Location: Municipal Building, 2nd floor Council Chambers, 355 E. Central Street, Franklin, and also via the “ZOOM” platform. 

Residents can visit the Town website (Franklinma.gov) town calendar to review full text of proposed bylaw amendment, including the proposed map, and for up to date meeting information, on and after July 14, 2023. 

Please call the Town Administrator’s Office at (508) 520-4949 if you require further information or to make arrangements for translation services.

Submitted by,

Julie McCann

Town Council approves CPC appointments, closes out FY 2023, refers 2 bylaw mods to Planning Board, welcomes new Deputy Administrator (audio)

FM #1019 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1019 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town Council meeting held in Council Chambers on Wednesday, June 21, 2023. 8All 9members of the Council were present in the Council Chambers. 

Brief recap:

• The appointments to the Community Preservation Committee were approved. 6 were reappointed to a new term. One new member representing the Planning Board was made. Two existing members terms did not expire this year and will continue

• Downtown parking bylaw was adjusted for anew start time to account for a change in the MBTA schedule as well as the overnight parking restriction changed for Fri-Sat nights to allow for the late hours of Teddie Gallagher's. Modified bylaw moved to 2nd reading as amended

• 3 resolutions closed out the accounting transactions for the FY 2023 fiscal year for this time. The MECC fund which was reallocated to be part of the school adjustment effectively regained what it 'lost' as there were excess funds that needed to accounted for

• A resolution to clean up some house keeping for the land swap with the State was approved. There was not material fund impact, the funds had already been approved in prior years, the text of the measure needed to be adjusted as requested by the State to better account for their process and records

• 2 bylaws were referred to the Planning Board, both had come forward from the recent Economic Development committee meeting; one to adjust the marijuana overlay district maps, two to allow for reduce impervious coverage in general residential 5 zoning

•  new Deputy Town Administrator Amy M. Frigulietti was introduced. She starts in July

The recording runs 1 and 35 minutes. Let’s listen to the Town Council meeting on June 21, 2023.  Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1019-town-council-mtg-06-21-23

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The agenda doc can also be found on the Town of Franklin page ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_-_june_21_2023.pdf 

My notes in one PDF file -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/157tLQi6nFbWEu9QOBPSiUBfdR_M6cyn5/view?usp=drive_link

The meeting video -> https://www.youtube.com/live/P6oDVqj_xqI 

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

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 June 21, 2023 Meeting

Town Council approves CPC appointments, closes out FY 2023, refers 2 measures to Planning Board, welcomes new Deputy Administrator (video)

The Franklin Town Council met on Wednesday, June 21 as scheduled. The recording is available via Franklin TV -> https://www.youtube.com/live/P6oDVqj_xqI

Brief recap:

• The appointments to the Community Preservation Committee were approved. 6 were reappointed to a new term. One new member representing the Planning Board was made. Two existing members terms did not expire this year and will continue
• Downtown parking bylaw was adjusted for anew start time to account for a change in the MBTA schedule as well as the overnight parking restriction changed for Fri-Sat nights to allow for the late hours of Teddie Gallagher's. Modified bylaw moved to 2nd reading as amended
• 3 resolutions closed out the accounting transactions for the FY 2023 fiscal year for this time. The MECC fund which was reallocated to be part of the school adjustment effectively regained what it 'lost' as there were excess funds that needed to accounted for
• A resolution to clean up some house keeping for the land swap with the State was approved. There was not material fund impact, the funds had already been approved in prior years, the text of the measure needed to be adjusted as requested by the State to better account for their process and records
• 2 bylaws were referred to the Planning Board, both had come forward from the recent Economic Development committee meeting; one to adjust the marijuana overlay district maps, two to allow for reduce impervious coverage in general residential 5 zoning
•  new Deputy Town Administrator Amy M. Frigulietti was introduced. She starts in July

The agenda doc and released supporting documents -> 

 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_-_june_21_2023.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for June 21, 2023 Meeting

Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for June 21, 2023 Meeting

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

June 21, 2023 - 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 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS

a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. May 24, 2023   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/3a._may_24_2023_tc_meeting_minutes_-_draft_for_review.pdf

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS - None Scheduled.

5. APPOINTMENTS

a. Community Preservation Committee  

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

i. Citizen At Large: Michael Giardino

ii. Citizen At Large: Lisa Oxford

iii. Conservation Commission: Jeffrey Livingstone

iv. Historical Commission: Phyllis Malcolm

v. Housing Authority: Christopher Feeley

vi. Planning Board: Jay Mello

vii. Recreation Advisory Board: Wayne Simarrian

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

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled.

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION - None Scheduled.

 

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Bylaw Amendment 23-900: Chapter 170, Vehicles and Traffic, Article IV, Stopping, Standing and Parking, §170-15 Parking Prohibitions and Limitations, D. Parking Prohibited, Downtown Parking Map Amendment - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 23-900 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9a._23-900_-_parking_map_revision_0.pdf

b. Resolution 23-41: Appropriation Transfers FY23 (Motion to Approve Resolution 23-41 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9b._23-41_appropriation_transfers_fy23.pdf

c. Resolution 23-42: Sewer Enterprise Fund Supplemental Appropriation FY23 (Motion to Approve Resolution 23-42 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9c._1_-_resolution_23-42_-_sewer_enterprise_fund_supplemental_appropriation_fy23.pdf

d. Resolution 23-43: Transfer of FY23 Regional Dispatch Appropriation to the MECC/Public Safety Stabilization Fund (Motion to Approve Resolution 23-43 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9d._1_-_resolution_23-43_-_fy23_transfer_of_mecc_appropriation.pdf

e. Resolution 23-44: Appropriation of Funds to Enable Town to Implement Chapter 193 of Legislative Acts of 2018, Landfill Land Swap Legislation, So-Called (Motion to Approve Resolution 23-44 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9e._23-44_-landfill_land_swap_legislation.pdf

f. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-898: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at Chapter 185, Attachment 9, Schedule of Lot, Area, Frontage, Yard and Height Requirements (Motion to Refer Bylaw Amendment 23-898R to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9f.23-898_-_grv.pdf

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

(Motion to Refer Bylaw Amendment 23-899 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9g._23-899_-_marijuana_overlay_district.pdf

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

a. Introduction of Deputy Town Administrator

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Capital Budget Subcommittee

b. Economic Development Subcommittee

c. Budget Subcommittee

d. GATRA Advisory Board

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION - None Scheduled.

15. ADJOURN

Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

The agenda doc also contains remote participation info ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_-_june_21_2023.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for June 21, 2023 Meeting