Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda for meeting Wednesday, April 10, 2024

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

April 10, 2024 at 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. March 13, 2024   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/march_13_2024_tc_meeting_minutes.pdf

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS - None Scheduled

5. APPOINTMENTS

a. Design Review Commission - Priya Natarjan  

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

6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM

a. License Modification - Change of Officers & Change of Stock Interest of a Section 15 Retail Package Store License: Table & Vine, Inc. Located at 348 East Central St., Franklin, MA 02038

i. License Transaction #7a.  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/7a._1_license_transaction_-_table_vine_change_of_officers_stock_interest_-_google_docs.pdf

b. New Section 15 All Alcoholic Beverages Package Store License and Approval of Michael Gannon as the Manager - Shikshapatri Corporation d/b/a Dacey’s Market & Deli, Located at 353 Lincoln St., Franklin, MA 02038

i. License Transaction #7b.   

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/7b._1_license_transaction_-_new_section_15_all_alcohol_license_-_daceys_-_google_docs.pdf

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

a. License Modification - Change of Officers & Change of Stock Interest of a Section 15 Retail Package Store License: Table & Vine, Inc. Located at 348 East Central St., Franklin, MA 02038

b. New Section 15 All Alcoholic Beverages Package Store License and Approval of Michael Gannon as the Manager - Shikshapatri Corporation d/b/a Dacey’s Market & Deli, Located at 353 Lincoln St., Franklin, MA 02038

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Franklin Town Council Support for Proposed GL Chapter 40B Affordable Housing Project at 444 East Central Street Pursuant to DHCD’s Local Initiative Program (LIP): Friendly 40B

i. Town Administrator Memo, 40B Process Outline  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/8a_1_-_presentation_friendly_40b_stobbarts.pdf

ii. Project Presentation  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/8a._2_central_st_residences_tc_presentation_041024_v17_pdf_final.pdf

iii. Current Project Plans  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/8a._3_csr_preliminary_plans_update_tc_040324.pdf

iv. Town Board/Committee and staff comment letters  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/8a._4_letters.pdf

v. Related articles on the need for housing  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/8a._articles.pdf

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 24-16: Franklin Town Council Support for Proposed GL Chapter 40B Affordable Housing Project at 444 East Central Street Pursuant to DHCD’s Local Initiative Program (LIP): Friendly 40B (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-16 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9a._resolution_24-16_-_444_east_central_st._friendly_40b_-_google_docs.pdf

b. Resolution 24-17: Local Acceptance of GL Chapter 166 Section 32A (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-17 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9b_0.pdf

c. Resolution 24-18: Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Department ($2,250), Senior Center ($1,500) (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-18 - Majority Vote)  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9c._gift_acceptance_-_vets_dept._sr._ctr_historical_museum.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. To review and approve minutes from March 13, 2024 Town Council Executive Session

15. ADJOURN

Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

Agenda doc also contains remote participation info

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/april_10_2024_town_council_meeting_agenda.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda for meeting Wednesday, April 10, 2024

FHS Theater Co shares T-co Topical - episode 2 (audio)

"It’s finally back: episode two of the T-co Topical is out now! 

On this episode, we discuss our final production of the season, Peter and the Starcatcher! 

Additionally, we look back on Legally Blonde and Flowers for Algernon, look forward to the Ocean State Star Awards, and get ready for our next adventure as FHSTC!"

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/C5YaSF8OGmO/

FHS Theater Co shares T-co Topical - episode 2 (audio)

Franklin TV: Nothing To Do? Check out the Town’s calendar for cultural & community events, and meetings

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 04/07/2024 

Don’t know what to do? Don’t know what’s happening?

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar  (Check it out.)

The Town’s official calendar lists much of the goings-on across our fair zip code. 

There’s a lot of opportunity to discover more about Franklin in these daily columns.

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar/upcoming  (Also worth checking for Library & Senior Center events)

https://www.franklinculture.org/things-do/pages/calendar  (Also worth checking for cultural events)

And – for more in-depth info – every day: https://www.franklinmatters.org/

Now you know.

Thanks for listening to 102.9 wfpr●fm. 

And – as always – thanks for watching.

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf   

Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

Can you be a volunteer driver for the Franklin Office of Meals on Wheels?

The Franklin Office of Meals on Wheels (MOW) needs volunteer delivery drivers.  If you can devote about 2 hours each week, we need you!  

Volunteers are reimbursed at $0.56 per mile & a small stipend is paid as well.

MOW provides healthy meals to our homebound seniors in Franklin, Medway, Bellingham & Blackstone.  Without our kindhearted drivers, we cannot complete this mission.  

If you have a couple of hours & would like to chip in and help out, please call Jeanne, Mon - Fri from 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM at 508.520.1422 for information.  

*** Substitute/On Call drivers also needed.***

Can you be a volunteer driver for the Franklin Office of Meals on Wheels?

You can get your Wahlburgers at the Plainridge Park Casino

Last week, The United Regional Chamber of Commerce (URCC) cut the ribbon at the new Wahlburgers at Chairman's Circle Member Plainridge Park Casino, 301 Washington Street, Plainville, where Paul Wahlberg, the chef behind the concept, greeted attendees. 

Plainridge Park Casino General Manager and URCC Board Member North Grounsell told the crowd that the casino is excited to have Wahlburgers as one of its vendors and they are looking forward to a successful launch. Ribbon cutting attendees were offered gourmet burgers, chicken sandwiches, a variety of side dishes, and milk shakes served by Wahlburgers’ employees.

Wahlburgers at the Plainridge Park Casino

Wahlburgers is a casual dining burger restaurant and bar chain. It is owned by chef Paul Wahlberg and his brothers, actors Donnie and Mark.

These legendary burger joints, founded by the Wahlberg brothers, bring their signature creations and star-studded atmosphere to Plainridge Park Casino.

At the casino's Wahlburgers, you can indulge in the fabulous food, soak up the vibrant energy, and try your luck at the slots – it's the ultimate combination of delicious food and non-stop excitement.

As of March 2023, there are more than 120 Wahlburgers locations in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Check out the location and menu online -> https://wahlburgers.com/location-details/plainville-plainridge-park-casino

Join Painting Venus at The Curry House - April 18 (space is limited)

Painting Venus at The Curry House

"Come join us!  

Have a night out with some friends, support a good cause
and local business.  

Seating is limited The Curry House 

Tickets: www.paintingvenus.art/event-details/mingle-n-paint"

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/zdGd7ysXwWnw3QbZ/

Elsa scheduled to appear at the Raillery Public House - April 15

From the Raillery Public House: 

"Start out your April vacation with Elsa!"

Make your reservation online for the Raillery -> https://raillerypub.com/ 

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/C5biTAwx00B/

Elsa scheduled to appear at the Raillery Public House - April 15

Master Plan Update Cmte: Sustainability Subcommittee Agenda for April 16, 2024

• Sustainability Subcommittee

Event Date:  Tuesday, April 16, 2024 - 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/sustainability_-agenda_2024-4-16.pdf

Master Plan Update Cmte: Sustainability Subcommittee Agenda for April 16, 2024

Sign up to perform with the Franklin Public Schools Music Department at PorchFest - June 1

You have heard that Franklin Porchfest 2024 will be held on June 1 (rain date June 2). You can sign up to join the "Community Side by Side Performance" with the Franklin Public Schools Music Department for this event.

Whether you  have not performed since High School or you are a professional musician, come perform side by side with our talented FHS Symphony Orchestra, Band, and Chorus in a performance of "God Bless America" at the Franklin Porchfest on June 1! 

Rehearsals will take place at FHS:

• Wednesday, May 15 - 6-7 PM Room 131 @ FHS
• Wednesday, May 29 - 6-7 PM Room 131 @ FHS

Performance

• Saturday, June 1 (rain date Sunday, June 2) at the Franklin Town Common 3:15 PM (Time subject to change)

Final details will be sent to those who sign up by May 9.

Sign up here to sing -> https://forms.gle/g6us4yQ89nHqehW29

Sign up to perform with the Franklin Public Schools Music Department at PorchFest - June 1

Download a copy of the flyer to share or as a reminder ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xM4CWqmG3Lh7r2ALRcRrPYuRWvdFUfBi/view?usp=drive_link

Beaver Street Interceptor - detour update for week beginning April 8, 2024

Beaver Street Interceptor

 

 

 

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE:

The contractor has made great progress this week, so starting Monday April 8th Old West Central between Rt. 140 to Pond Street will be back open to two way traffic. The dead end section of Old West Central serving Ledgewood Condominiums and Franklin Crossing will continue to be closed at Tri-County Drive.  Those residents will continue to use the right hand turn only detour onto Rt 140 by the
Dunkin Donuts. 

For Monday only, the entrance to Tri-County Drive at Old West Central will remain closed.  All Tri-County traffic will need to enter and exit via the Pond Street Entrance.  

We appreciate the public's continued support and understanding and will
continue to communicate regularly via social media, our dedicated email list, and the construction map below as work progresses.

BEAVER STREET INTERCEPTOR HOTLINE: 508-553-5526
(PLEASE LEAVE A MESSAGE AND WE WILL RETURN YOUR CALL)
EMAIL: BSI-info@franklinma.gov 

Interactive construction detour map & updates

 

Beaver Street Interceptor Rehabilitation/Replacement Project

This project consists of the replacement and repair of Franklin's largest piece of sewer infrastructure,
originally constructed in 1914.

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/pages/beaver-street-interceptor

Department of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy Relaunches ‘Call for Artists’ for public Sculpture Park

Calling all artists and creatives! 

The Town of Franklin Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy Department is excited to announce the opening wave of our Spring 2024 ‘Call to Artists’ for the Franklin Sculpture Park. 

This exhibiting opportunity aims to transform our town’s public space into vibrant expressions of art, showcasing the talent and creativity of local artists. Whether you're an established artist or emerging talent, we invite you to be part of this exciting opportunity.

Selected artworks will become integral parts of our town’s cultural landscape, enriching the lives of residents and visitors alike. This is a chance to leave a lasting impact on the community and contribute to its cultural vibrancy.

‘Call for Artists’ for public Sculpture Park

Artists interested in submitting their work can find more information and access the application process on the website https://www.franklinculture.org/home/news/public-art. The submission deadline is June 1, 2024 at 9 PM.

Join us in making Franklin a canvas of creativity! For inquiries or further information, please contact Cory Shea, Director of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy. 

About The Town of Franklin Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy Department:

The arts and culture sector plays a vital role in enriching the fabric of the Franklin community as we strive to build a vibrant and inclusive municipality. Investing in arts and culture initiatives is essential for driving economic development, strengthening social cohesion, and nurturing a sense of identity among community members.

 

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda for the meeting scheduled for April 9, 2024 at 7 PM

Franklin School Committee

April 9, 2024 - 7:00 PM

Municipal Building – Council Chambers

Call to Order        Mr. Callaghan

Pledge of Allegiance

Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business

A. Review of Agenda

B. Payment of Bills Mr. Callaghan

C. Payroll Mr. McNeill

D. FHS Student Representative Comments

E. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations

A. Horace Mann Highlights

III. Discussion/Action Items

A. FY25 Budget Vote

I recommend approval of the FY25 School Budget in the amount of

$81,319,261.00 as discussed.     https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_a_-_fy25_budget_vote.pdf

B. School Choice Vote

I recommend that the School Committee not accept new School Choice students for the 2024-2025 School year as discussed.  

C. Policy – 2nd Reading / Adoption

I recommend adoption of policy JFABB – Admittance of Foreign Exchange Students as discussed.

IV. Discussion Only Items

A. none

V. Information Matters

A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports

B. School Committee Liaison Reports

VI. Consent Agenda

A. Approval of Minutes

I recommend approval of the minutes from the March 19, 2024 School

Committee Meeting as detailed.

B. FEF Gift

I recommend acceptance of a check for $3,500.00 from the Franklin Education Foundation for supplemental supplies as detailed.

C. Keller Gift

I recommend acceptance of a check for $6900.00 from the Keller PCC for Field Trips as detailed.

D. Music Gifts

I recommend acceptance of two checks totaling $455.00 from Music parents as detailed:

$40.00 Parent In-house enrichment

$415.00 Parents Field Trip

E. Oak St. Recurring Prov. Children’s Museum Field Trip

I recommend approval of the request of Brad Hendrixson to take 1st graders to the Providence RI Children’s Museum on May 2, 2024 as detailed.

F. Oak St. Recurring RW Zoo Field Trip

I recommend approval of the request of Brad Hendrixson to take 2nd graders to Roger Williams Zoo in Providence, RI on June 6, 2024 as detailed.

G. ASMS Gift

I recommend acceptance of a check for $3,760.00 from the ASMS PCC for field trips as detailed.

VII. Good of the Order

VIII. Citizen’s Comments

IX. New Business

To discuss any future agenda items

X. Adjournment

Agenda doc (contains remote participation info) ->  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_4-9-24.pdf

Meeting packet folder (contains other doc for this meeting, some posted after the meeting)

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/april-9-2024-school-committee-meeting-packet

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda for the meeting scheduled for April 9, 2024 at 7 PM

Franklin, MA: School Committee subcommittee meetings - April 9 & April 10

• Policy Subcommittee

Event Date: Tuesday, April 9, 2024 - 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/4_9_24_policy_subcommittee_agenda_.pdf

• Community Relations Subcommittee Meeting

Event Date:  Wednesday, April 10, 2024 - 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/events/franklin_public_schools_community_relations_sub_committee_meeting.pdf

Franklin, MA: School Committee subcommittee meetings - April 9 & April 10

Arts & Culture report discussed, new Arts & Culture Director introduced in the session Wednesday, April 3, 2024 (audio)

FM #1167 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1167 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Arts & Culture Subcommittee of the Town Council as they released their final report on Wednesday, April 3, 2024.  The meeting was held at the Council Chambers and broadcast by Franklin TV via cable (Verizon & Comcast), as well as Zoom and live stream to YouTube.   

Chair Cobi Frongillo, members Melanie Hamblen and Ted Cormier-Leger.

Cory Shea, new Director of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy introduces what she is up to in her early days here.

The meeting runs about 45 minutes (brief tech difficulty in the opening minutes with an echo was resolved).     Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1167-franklin-town-council-arts-culture-subcmte-mtg-04-03-24

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Franklin TV recording on YouTube ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPz7IPBOqAc 

Agenda doc -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/1._arts_culture_20240130_170221_0000.pdf 

Arts & Culture subcommittee report -> https://www.franklinculture.org/sites/g/files/vyhlif596/f/uploads/arts_culture_20240403_195555_0000.pdf 

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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 www.franklin.news/ or  www.Franklinmatters.org/ 

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"

Arts & Culture report discussed, new Arts & Culture Director introduced

Escape Into Fiction book store for sale

"Important announcement to our customers and followers!!"

This was announced at the Franklin Downtown Partnership general meeting Thursday morning (4/04/24). April's husband had lost his job this past October and the new job confirmed Wednesday will require a relocation back to Ohio. They will be looking for a buyer and failing that be forced to close the store.

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/C5WMcwZt_ZX/

Escape Into Fiction book store for sale