FM #574 - Town Council Quarterbacking with Tom Mercer - 06/24/21 (audio)

FM #574 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 574 in the series. 

This shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. This is one of a series of conversations meant to provide a recap of the prior 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: 

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following key topics

4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS  

a. Police Department Recognition: Patrol Officer David Mellor

b. Fire & Police Department Recognition: Winter Street Incident

 

5. APPOINTMENTS

a. Annual Reappointments

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS  

· S&J Restaurant, LLC d/b/a Sierra’s Brick Oven Pizza & Pub, New Common Victualer All Alcohol License and Approval of Manager, located at 648 Old West Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038.

· Proof Restaurant, LLC d/b/a Proof, New Common Victualer All Alcohol License and Approval of Manager, located at 862 West Central Street, 2nd Floor, Franklin, MA 02038. 

 

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS 

Open Meeting Law (OML) Complaint from Patrick Higgins: Failure to approve Town Council meeting minutes in a timely manner. 

10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION 

10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

Resolution 21-33: Expenditure - Recreation Department Expenses, Fletcher Fund (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-33 - Majority Vote)

10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

Resolution 21-34: Appropriation - Franklin Downtown Zoning and Marketing Capital Account (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-34 - Majority Vote)

10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

Resolution 21-35: FY21 Appropriation Transfers (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-35 - Majority Vote)

10e. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

Resolution 21-37: Termination of the Veteran’s Services Agreement (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-37 Majority Vote)

10g. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

Zoning Bylaw Amendment 21-874: Amendment to CH. 185 Section 21 Parking, Loading, and Driveway Requirements - Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Bylaw Amendment 21-874 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)

The show notes include links to the meeting agenda and associated documents.

Our conversation runs about 31 minutes, so let’s listen in to my quarterbacking session with Tom Mercer.

Audio file => https://player.captivate.fm/episode/156236b0-6ad8-4480-8d90-7071777e55ef

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

Franklin Community Profile  =>   https://mecc.memberclicks.net/assets/2021CommunityProfiles/FRANKLIN.pdf

 

Agenda folder -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/june-23-town-council-agenda

 

Agenda doc (including connection info) ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/6-23-21_town_council_agenda.pdf

My notes from the meeting

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/06/recap-town-council-meeting-deserved.html

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

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 Quarterbacking with Tom Mercer - 06/24/21

FHS boys lacrosse playoff runs comes to a close

Read the game recap by Josh Perry, Managing Editor of HockomockSports.com

"In the semifinal win over Hingham, Franklin (18-1) struggled with uncharacteristic turnovers early in the game, but once the Panthers found the back of the net and grabbed the lead they established a rhythm on offense and never looked back. 

In Sunday night’s Div. 1 South final against defending champ BC High, Franklin had another slow start but this time never looked comfortable on either end of the field. The Eagles clinched a fourth sectional title in the last five seasons, handing the Panthers a 14-9 loss in their first final appearance. It was Franklin’s only loss this season. 

“It was a great year,” said Franklin coach Lou Verrochi. “We ran into a better team, at least tonight they were better. Hats off to them, they were bigger, faster, stronger, and in so many different areas they played great. Our kids battled.” 

He added, “We didn’t handle the pressure real well. They pressed out on us and I don’t think we handled it as well as we could have, but I have nothing but good things to say about this group. They were unbelievable.”

Continue reading the game recap

https://hockomocksports.com/franklin-boys-lacrosse-has-playoff-run-come-to-close-in-south-final/ 

For a photo gallery from this game

https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2020-2021/Spring-2021/Franklin-BC-High-Boys-Lacrosse-06-27-21/

Franklin senior Matt Lazzaro’s shot from the ground is turned aside by BC High goalie Jamie Horton in the second half. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)

FHS baseball scheduled for D1 South final today

2021 MIAA Baseball South Division 1
Date/Time: 6/28/2021 - 7 PM
Location: Franklin HS

#1 - Franklin  vs #3 - Xaverian

the road to the 2021 MIAA Baseball South Division 1 final

The MIAA Baseball South Division 1 bracket

http://miaa.statebrackets.com/tmenu.cfm?tid=5665

Light Up Franklin for this 4th of July

Final week to order. Please help support the Franklin Lions. 

To order https://forms.gle/28J8pqr6ffudN5i39

"The Franklin Lions would like to celebrate this 4th of July. Our goal is to Light Up the town on July 4th with paper lanterns.  

We are selling the Lanterns in sets of 3 for $15. Lanterns come with LED light and string. Some assembly is required and pattern may vary.  

Once you place your lantern on display we would love for you to send a picture of your lanterns all lit up. We will be posting a video of the lanterns on July 4th to our Facebook page.  

To purchase your lantern please complete below. We will be in contact by email to confirm your order, delivery, and payment. "

Visit the Lions web page -> https://e-clubhouse.org/sites/franklinma/ 

For additional info  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/06/lions-looking-to-light-up-franklin-for.html

Light Up Franklin for this 4th of July

Good Deeds: The Country Opens Up

By: William P. O’Donnell, Register of Deeds

"It is not lost upon folks that America is opening up from various COVID-19 orders and restrictions as we celebrate the birth of the United States of America on July 4th.  There have been four (4) Presidents of the United States of America born in Norfolk County which was established by law in 1793.  This fact has led to the designation of Norfolk County as the “County of Presidents”.  John Adams the second (2nd) President of the United States, who hailed from Norfolk County, once said about celebrating the birth of this great nation, “It will be celebrated… with pomp and parade… bonfires and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other.”
 
It always amazed me when reading the above quotation that President Adams had the presence of mind and insight to essentially predict how the United States of America celebrates its birth as a nation all these years later.  The celebration of our freedoms will take on a new meaning this July 4th holiday as we return to pre Coronavirus activities.  All the “little things” denied due to the Coronavirus pandemic will hopefully be savored and appreciated.  Some of these “little things” may be running a road race, a cook out with family and friends, watching fireworks displayed in our local communities or enjoying the marching bands and floats of a July 4th parade. 
 
The thirty-fifth (35th) President of the United States of America John F. Kennedy was born in the Norfolk County community of Brookline.  President Kennedy spoke at Independence Hall in Philadelphia on July 4, 1962 stating, “For 186 years this doctrine of national independence has shaken the globe - and it remains the most powerful force anywhere in the world today.  There are those struggling to eke out a bare existence in a barren land who have never heard of free enterprise, but who cherish the idea of independence.  There are those who are grappling with over powering problems of illiteracy and ill-health and who are ill-equipped to hold free elections.  But they are determined to hold fast to their national independence.”
 
The notion of independence was certainly challenged during the Coronavirus pandemic.  Yet throughout this trying period as one who is tasked with leading the Registry of Deeds I saw Registry employees rise above difficulties and obstacles while demonstrating a commitment to excellence.  Under trying circumstances with restrictions to one’s notion of independence and freedoms the employees of the Registry of Deeds came to work throughout the pandemic to keep the real estate sector of our local economy viable.  The Norfolk Registry of Deeds employees kept the Registry open and operational every work day during the COVID-19 pandemic since current Massachusetts Governor Charles Baker, who grew up in the Norfolk County town of Needham, declared a State of Emergency back on March 10, 2020.  Do you think the very first Governor of Massachusetts John Hancock who signed into law legislation establishing Norfolk County and the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds on June 20 1793 would have thought citizens would be facing such a deadly and impactful health crisis due to Coronavirus?
 
John Hancock is also another notable citizen born in Norfolk County who was one of Boston’s leader’s during the crisis that led to the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War in 1775.  John Hancock served more than two years in the Continental Congress in Philadelphia.  He was the first to sign the Declaration of Independence in his position as President of the Continental Congress.  Famous for his rather prominent signature on the Declaration of Independence John Hancock was quoted as saying during the signing ceremony, “There his Majesty King George can now read my name without glasses.  And he can double the reward on my head.”
 
The bravery of those that came before us in creating, developing and preserving this great nation of ours should never be forgotten.  We may celebrate the Fourth of July with hamburgers and hotdogs.  Let us never forget the meaning of the words written in the Declaration of Independence as we hopefully put the Coronavirus pandemic in the rear view mirror.  The forty-first (41st) President of the United States of America George Herbert Walker Bush was born in the Norfolk County community of Milton.  President Bush stated in 1989 “After 213 years, Americans can say that the experiment is a resounding success.  The Fourth of July is a time to rejoice in this success, which has inspired all who seek to break the shackles of totalitarian rule and breathe in the life-giving air of liberty.”
 
Enjoy your liberties and have a Happy and Healthy July 4th.    
 
To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, like us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds and Instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds.
 
The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street in Dedham.  The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information.  All land record research information can be found on the Registry’s website www.norfolkdeeds.org.  Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center via telephone at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org. "

Good Deeds: The Country Opens Up

MBTA restores weekend service on Franklin line

The new Summer Commuter Rail schedule goes into effect on Monday, June 28th to restore weekend train service on all lines. Paper schedules available at North, South, and Back Bay Stations. 

There are no changes to the weekday schedule.   MBTA.com/cr

The updated schedule  https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/route_pdfs/2021-summer/2021-06-28-summer-franklin-accessible.pdf 

MBTA restores weekend service on Franklin line

"the job market in Greater Boston is seething with activity"

 

"After a dozen long years at Google, David Smydra had been thinking about moving on. But when the pandemic hit, all he could do was “shelter in place ... hold on, do my best to weather the storm.” 

But working from home in West Roxbury only increased the feeling of burnout that had been building before COVID-19. So as the virus loosened its grip on the region, his urge for a reset returned, even stronger. 

“The effects of the pandemic gave me clarity to see my situation without the blinders of the daily hustle,” he said. 

In April, the 42-year-old Smydra left his job at Google overseeing news content strategy and joined another big tech company — Twitter — to work on news curation."

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/06/27/business/giant-game-musical-chairs-waves-workers-are-changing-jobs-pandemic-wanes/ 

FM #572 & #573 - Town Council meeting of 06/23/21 in 2 parts (audio)

FM #572-3 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 572-3 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, June 23, 2021. 

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: members of the Town Council and Town Administration personnel were in the Council Chambers, some of the public participated in person, some were remote via the Zoom conference bridge, as we move to come out of this pandemic period.

I’ve split the almost 3 hour meeting into two logical segments:

• First - covers the opening with 2 recognitions, 2 licenses transactions, and then the discussion on the Open Meeting Law complaint (~1:09 mins)

• Second - covers the legislation for action and the balance of the meeting until they enter Executive Session. They do return about 30 minutes later but that is not part of this recording as I did not stick around. (~1:27 minutes)

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda including documents released for this meeting. 

Let’s listen to this segment of the Town Council meeting of June 23, 2021

#572 ->  https://player.captivate.fm/episode/c05d1ea6-125a-400c-9d3a-f491ed7a2845

#573 ->  https://player.captivate.fm/episode/8d09e0f0-5414-4095-8600-6e47b2babc20

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

Agenda folder -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/june-23-town-council-agenda

 

Agenda doc (including connection info) ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/6-23-21_town_council_agenda.pdf

My notes from the meeting

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/06/recap-town-council-meeting-deserved.html

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

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 www.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"

 

Chrisy Whelton (r) is leaving, her position will be taken by Alecia Alleyne (l)

Franklin TV: Live Sports Coverage - It’s a big change for the better

Back in February we scrambled for ways to cover the FHS Panthers upcoming spring sports season – live. COVID made it a mission critical push. Only one parent was allowed to accompany any student athlete to his or her game. The other parent? Family? Friends and neighbors? Nope. Too bad.

We hastily hustled our TV Flypacks together, and we were off to the races –
(or to whatever our first event was).

We also began live streaming all three of our channels online – directly from the front page of our website:  Franklin.TV – (Just click on the channel of your choice.) We’ve done all we can to make it easy.

Live Sports Coverage - It’s a big change for the better

The response has been both surprising and quite gratifying. We’ve received phone calls and emails inquiring about almost every game. Even out of the darkness of our COVID winter, something good has emerged as part of our new normal. We are still perfecting our coverage  – still working from wherever an event originates to make our internet  connections  back  to our  main  studio  (and  you,  our
viewers) as reliable as possible.  The internet being what it is, there might be some occasional bumps in the road ahead, but we’ll keep doing all we can to bring live event coverage to everyone.

We also post all games to our Video-on-Demand system about a week later. Look for your favorite game or event on our website under ‘Past Shows’. There’ll be more live sports and events all Summer long. Wherever it’s happening, that’s where we’ll be.  http://franklin.tv/

And –  as always –
Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm.
And, thank you for watching.

Pete Fasciano, Executive Director  

Get this week's program guide for Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online

http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf  or for archive purposes

https://drive.google.com/file/d/19g9Iztsoy46JDHeW3bjRM92ApWpu8Zh1/view?usp=sharing

FHS outdoor track performances at D1 State meet

FHS girls outdoor track performances from the MIAA All State Track & Field Championships 2021 held at Norwell High School on Saturday, June 27, 2021

Event 3  Girls 400 Meter Dash
===============================================================
 Meet Record: * 54.51  6/7/2014    Sierra Irvin, Hingham                       
    Name                    Year School                  Finals  H#
===============================================================
  1 Aleia Gisolfi-McCready    12 Lexington                55.25   3  
 10 Jillian Fenerty           11 Franklin                 58.65   3 

Event 10  Girls 4x100 Meter Relay
===============================================================
 Meet Record: * 47.92  6/6/2009    NORTH ATTLEBORO HS, NO ATTLEBORO            
                       C Deininger, J Cappadona, L Goldberg, C Udall     
    School                                               Finals  H#
===============================================================
  1 Framingham  'A'                                       48.79   3 
     1) Priscilla Mota 11               2) Kim Lugon 11                   
     3) Abby Desmarais 9                4) Maya Bishop 10            
20 Franklin  'A'                                         52.30   1 
     1) Ava Fraulo 11                   2) Sophia Cuneo 9                 
     3) Barra Pfluke 10                 4) Lindsey Morse 12   
    
Event 11  Girls 4x400 Meter Relay
==============================================================
 Meet Record: * 3:50.14  6/7/2014    Mansfield, Mansfield                      
                         M Oldow, R Stier, L Goulet, M Amerantes           
    School                                               Finals  H#
==============================================================
  1 Lexington  'A'                                      3:54.23   3 
     1) Mari Mc Bride 11                2) Catherine Movsessian 12        
     3) Aylin Bruce 12                  4) Aleia Gisolfi-McCready 12      
 11 Franklin  'A'                                       4:07.16   2 
     1) Jillian Fenerty 11              2) Anna Cliff 9                   
     3) Sarah Dumas 9                   4) Olivia Costa 9         

Event 12  Girls High Jump
==============================================================
 Meet Record: *  5-10  1987        Becky Bryan, Lexington HS                   
    Name                    Year School                  Finals           
==============================================================
  1 Sophie Albright           12 Framingham            J5-08.00      1.72m 
  3 Maia Wahlquist            12 Westford Aca          J5-04.00      1.62m 
  3 Lindsey Morse             12 Franklin              J5-04.00      1.62m 

Event 16  Girls Discus Throw
==============================================================
 Meet Record: * 157-05  1979        Pia Iacova, Brockton HS                    
    Name                    Year School                  Finals           
==============================================================
  1 Michaela Denson           11 Sabis Intl C            142-11     43.56m 
  6 Katelynn Taylor           12 Franklin                105-06     32.15m 

Event 18  Girls Shot Put
==============================================================
 Meet Record: * 45-05.75  6/3/2017    Abbie Mokwuah, Longmeadow                
        Meet: %    47-02  1978        Pam Hall (8lb), Weston HS                
    Name                    Year School                  Finals            H#
==============================================================
  1 Michaela Denson           11 Sabis Intl C          37-08.25     11.48m  2 
 15 Katelynn Taylor           12 Franklin              33-05.00     10.18m  2 

Women - Team Rankings - 19 Events Scored
==============================================================
    1) Westford Academy            40.50     2) Wellesley                  34   
    3) Concord-Carlisle            31        4) Newton North               28.50
    5) Lexington                   27        6) Milford                    25   
    7) North Reading               24        8) Framingham                 23   
    9) Burlington                  22       10) Sabis Intl Charter         20   
   11) Weston                      19       12) North Andover              18   
   12) Tewksbury                   18       14) Taunton                    16   
   15) Brookline                   15       16) Newton South               14   
   16) Foxborough                  14       18) Littleton                  13   
   18) Lincoln-Sudbury             13       18) Scituate                   13   
   18) Nashoba                     13       22) Central Catholic           11   
   22) Mansfield                   11       24) Norton                     10   
   24) Belmont                     10       24) Andover                    10   
   24) Adv. Math and Science Acad  10       28) Natick                      8.50
   28) Franklin                     8.50

MIAA D1 State Outdoor Track full results

http://miaa.ezstream.com/index.cfm?ChnID=314&SubID=-1&chncd=314,-1&itemid=8430&parid=-1&Org=MIAA&CFID=76788135&CFTOKEN=98526815

FHS Panthers

FHS boys lacrosse scheduled to play D1 South final today

 

Boys Lacrosse
D1 South Final
#6 BC High @ #1 Franklin, 7:00

Shared from HockomockSports.com

https://hockomocksports.com/sundays-schedule-scoreboard-06-27-21/

From the MIAA, the brackets for D1 South boys lacrosse

http://miaa.statebrackets.com/tmenu.cfm?tid=5631

The road to the final for D1 South boys lacrosse

Franklin Area Nonprofit Network - Meeting Agenda - June 28, 2021

Franklin Area Nonprofit Network (FANN)

Meeting Agenda 

Monday, June 28, 2021 – 7:00 PM

1. 700 PM - Call to order, review agenda and any housekeeping Steve Sherlock

2.    Introductions

        710 PM     Anna Cross, MetroWest Nonprofit Network

        735 PM HMEA - Doug MacPherson

        740 PM SAFE Coalition - Jennifer Knight Levine

        745 PM Ben Speaks - Bo Kinney 

        750 PM open

        755 PM open

       

3. 805 PM Steering Committee, Actions, Next Month agenda, Wrap Up Bo Kinney/Steve Sherlock

4. 820 PM Adjourn

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

The Franklin Area Nonprofit Network page is now live and functioning. 

https://www.franklinareanonprofitnetwork.org/

Check out the listing of nonprofits   https://www.franklinareanonprofitnetwork.org/p/area-non-profits.html

Use the form to make updates, changes, or additions

https://www.franklinareanonprofitnetwork.org/p/directory-addchange.html

Topic: FANN - Introductions #3
Time: Jun 28, 2021 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89582239857?pwd=UGVreUdYbmFSd1pIMC93TlUyam9sdz09 

Meeting ID: 895 8223 9857
Passcode: wfpr1029
One tap mobile
+13017158592,,89582239857#,,,,*22075150# US (Washington DC)
+13126266799,,89582239857#,,,,*22075150# US (Chicago)

FANN Meeting Agenda - June 28, 2021

Boston Globe: “We’re not going to solve it by just having one tweak”

"Massachusetts is undertaking a massive shift in how it distributes money for affordable housing, pumping tens of millions of state dollars into building new owner-occupied homes after years of focusing almost exclusively on rentals.

The efforts, led by a new program to build homes for below-market sale in Boston and other cities, are an explicit recognition of the enormous racial wealth gap in Massachusetts, which has been fueled by a similar chasm in who owns homes here. Yet the program’s limits also illustrate just how hard that gap will be to close.

At an event this month in Haverhill to highlight the effort, Governor Charlie Baker pitched his plan as one way to remedy decades of US housing policy that created the divide, and said he wants to spend as much as $560 million to boost homeownership among historically disadvantaged groups in Massachusetts, particularly Black and Latino families. His goal is to jump-start progress with a huge windfall of cash from stimulus funding and other sources."

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/06/26/business/an-enormous-racial-wealth-gap-exists-mass-state-is-responding-by-pushing-home-ownership/

On Wednesday nights, Arlene Cribbs watches her 3-year-old grandson Aaron Gillenwater. She rents a two-bedroom apartment in Jamaica Plain and has been trying to buy a two- or three-bedroom single-family house.PAT GREENHOUSE/GLOBE STAFF