Inclusionary zoning bylaw approved by Town Council in key action at meeting May 3 (audio)

FM #991 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 991 in the series.

The Franklin (MA) Town Council met on Wednesday, May 3, 2023 for their regular meeting and covered a number of items. One of the major achievements was the passage of the inclusionary zoning bylaw. This was one of the action items from the Franklin For All project and a significant accomplishment.

Among the other news worthy items on the agenda were

• All alcohol license approved for Sierra's Brick Oven Pizza
• Corporate record license changes for both Longhorn Restaurant and the 99 Restaurant were approved
• Financial Audit report for FY 2022 reveals a clean report, no actions, no management letter, the Town maintains their AAA rating status
• Presentation from the Charles River Pollution Control District
• Update on the long awaited Beaver St interceptor, bids came in below expectations, sewer rates will rise and remain to pay for the 20 year borrowing costs of this major infrastructure project
• PFAS regulation increases proposed by EPA can cost us significantly. Well 7 is currently offline, more wells may be in jeopardy of shutdown due to increased monitoring. Yet, PFAS is still being made, is a forever chemical and is major concern for future water supply quality and cost thereof

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-991-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-05-03-23

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The full agenda and documents associated with it can be found online ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/04/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-for-may.html

Franklin TV's video recording of the meeting is available for replay on YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/live/mhRDmkdk7og?feature=share

My notes captured via Twitter can be found in one PDF. 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gWiBSq_Q8vMNIUKv32jeLQtMypvF8fTb/view?usp=share_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?

• 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!

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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"

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda for the May 3, 2023 Meeting

Reminder: Franklin Pride 2023 Vendor Sign Up Form

Thanks once again to all vendors who have already signed up to participate in Celebrate with Pride 2023 in Franklin!

The Franklin LGBTQ Alliance is still accepting applications from vendors who wish to participate!

Sign up today!

*

The Franklin LGBTQ Alliance was created in 2022 to support, raise awareness of, and build connections within the greater Franklin LGBTQIA+ community.

In support of this mission, the Franklin LGBTQ Alliance will host Celebrate with Pride 2023 in Franklin Town Common on Sunday, June 25, 2023, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

If you would like to participate as a vendor, please submit the following form by Sunday, May 28, 2023:

Franklin LGBTQ Alliance Celebrate with Pride 2023 Vendor Sign-Up Form

More information about Celebrate with Pride 2023 can be found at the top of this form.

If you have any questions, please contact Robin Baidya at <robin.baidya@gmail.com>.

We hope to see you in June!

The Franklin LGBTQ Alliance

Franklin LGBTQ Alliance

SAVE-THE-DATES for MEMORIAL DAY 2023

Memorial Day Breakfast – Friday, May 26 - 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Will be held at the Franklin Senior Center. Reservations are required. Sign up at the Senior Center reception desk or call Mary at: (508) 520 – 4945 by May 12.

Memorial Day Parade – Monday, May 29 - 10:30 AM 

Starts at Dean College, then proceeds to Union Street and St. Mary’s Cemeteries via School, West Central and Beaver Streets and concludes at the Town Common.

Memorial Day Ceremony – Monday, May 29 - Noon 

Will be held on the Town Common by the War Memorial after the parade. Franklin Veterans who have passed since last Memorial Day as well as Franklin’s 45 fallen heroes who died in our nation’s combats will be recognized.

Please note: If it rains on May 29, please check the Veterans’ Services web page at: https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services for cancellation notice.

Let us all remember…We are the land of the free because of the brave.

SAVE-THE-DATES for MEMORIAL DAY 2023

Town Council Quarterbacking condenses the May 3, 2023 meeting & simplifies what it means (audio)

FM #990 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 990 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 May 3, 2023: 

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following key topics

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

a. New Section 12 Restaurant Common Victualer All Alcohol License and Approval of Katrina Psikarakis as the Manager - Here Come Two Greeks, LLC d/b/a Sierra’s Brick Oven Pizza & Pub, Located at 370 King Street   

b. License Modification - Change of Manager: Rare Hospitality International, Inc. d/b/a Longhorn Steakhouse; Located at 250 Franklin Village Drive, Franklin, MA 02038   

c. License Modification - Change of Officers/Directors/LLC Managers: 99 Restaurants of Boston, LLC d/b/a 99 Restaurant, Located at 847 West Central Street   

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Presentation: FY22 Financial Audit - Scott McIntire, Partner, Marcum LLP   

b. Presentation: Charles River Pollution Control District - Elizabeth Taglieri, Executive Director Charles River Pollution Control District  

c. An Introduction to PFAS Regulations – Water & Sewer Superintendent Doug Martin   

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Bylaw Amendment 23-897: Sewer Rate Increase - First Reading

b. Resolution 23-30: Authorizing the Borrowing of Money to Pay Costs Associated with the Franklin Sewer System Asset Management Plan (CWSRF 12541)

c. Resolution 23-31: Authority For Town Administrator to File Clean Water State Revolving Fund Loan Application 

d. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-889: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at Chapter 185, Attachment 7., Part VI, Use Regulation Schedule: Residential Uses - Second Reading 

e. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-890: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at Chapter 185, Section 51 - Second Reading

f. Resolution 23-32: Gift Acceptance - Town of Franklin for Red Brick School House (Donation of “Established” Sign) 

g. Resolution 23-29: FY23 Capital Round 2

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

Our conversation runs about 45 minutes. Let’s listen to the Town Council Quarterbacking session recorded May 4, 2023

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-990-town-council-quarterbacking-05-04-23

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

 https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/04/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-for-may.html 

My notes in one PDF file -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gWiBSq_Q8vMNIUKv32jeLQtMypvF8fTb/view?usp=share_link

Franklin TV meeting video ->  

https://www.youtube.com/live/mhRDmkdk7og?feature=share

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

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"

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda for the May 3, 2023 Meeting

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda doc for Meeting May 9, 2023 - 7 PM

Franklin School Committee

May 9, 2023 - 7:00 PM

Municipal Building – Council Chambers

Call to Order Ms. Spencer

Pledge of Allegiance

Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business

A. Review of Agenda

B. Payment of Bills Mr. McNeill

C. Payroll Ms. Spencer

D. FHS Student Representative Comments

E. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations

A. Keller Highlights -   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/keller_school_may_9_school_committee_presentation.pdf

B. DIP Update -  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/sc_5_9_23_strategic_objective_1_-1.pdf

III. Discussion/Action Items

A. BICO Board Appointment 23-24

I recommend approval of the appointment of Lucas Giguere as the BICO Board

representative for Franklin Public Schools for the 2023-24 school year.  ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_a_-_bico_board_appointment_1.pdf

B. ACCEPT Board Appointment 23-24

I recommend approval of the appointment of Lucas Giguere as the ACCEPT Board

representative for Franklin Public Schools for the 2023-24 school year.  ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_b_-_accept_board_appointment_1.pdf

C. Redistricting Vote

I recommend approval of the redistricting recommendation as detailed in the

Redistricting Analysis Report.  ->  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_c_-_redistricting_vote.pdf

IV. Discussion Only Items

A. Interim School Business Administrator

Recommend an Interim School Business Administrator position for the

2023-2024 fiscal year and continuation of a comprehensive search process for a

permanent position during the 2023-2024 school year.

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 April 25, 2023 School Committee

Meeting as detailed.

B. Keller Gift

I recommend acceptance of a check for $395.43 from O’Connor Portraiture for

supplemental supplies at Keller Elementary School as detailed.

C. Overseas Account

I recommend approval of the Overseas Trip Fundraising Account within the

Student Activity Fund at Franklin High School.

VII. Good of the Order

VIII. Citizen’s Comments

IX. New Business

To discuss any future agenda items

X. Executive Session

a. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to collective

bargaining with the ESP/LPN, unit as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the  bargaining position of the School Committee and the chair so declares.

XI. Adjournment

Meeting packet folder -<  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/may-9-2023-school-committee-meeting-packet

Agenda doc -> https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_5-9-23.pdf

Franklin, MA: School Committee Agenda

Reminder: Join Cobi & I for a walk and talk about Franklin today (5/06/23 at 10:30 AM)

Should be good weather today for a walk!

You are invited to join Town Councilor Cobi Frongillo & I as we walk and talk about Franklin, zoning, interesting tidbits, etc. 

We'll meet at the High St side of the Town Common and leave at 10:30 AM Saturday morning, May 6, 2023.

The route as proposed is just over 3 miles (or about 5 K) that will bring us back to the Common. We should return to the Common by about noon.

• Dress for the weather whatever it is or forecasted to be for Saturday
• Bring along water (talking makes one thirsty)
• Wheels and paws are welcome to come along

Photo of the walking route (Counter clockwise)

Interactive Maps (via MapMyWalk) 

Counter clockwise  https://www.mapmywalk.com/routes/view/5511189451

Clockwise  -> https://www.mapmywalk.com/routes/view/5518318138/ 

Franklin's first participation in the national annual @janeswalk, in honor of the late social activist Jane Jacobs - May 6, 10:30 AM

Reminder: Redistricting Listening Session May 7 from 2 to 3 PM At the Library

 A redistricting listening session has been scheduled by two members of the School Committee: Camille Bernstein and Dave Callaghan. The session is scheduled for Sunday, May 7 from 2 to 3 PM.

Note: the School Committee is scheduled to vote on the redistricting proposal at their May 9 meeting.

Shared from Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/p/Cre885Juzxr/

The report to the School Committee with the redistricting proposal can be found ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/redistricting_analysis_recommendation_report_2022-23.pdf

Redistricting Listening Session May 7

No rain in the forecast for this Earth Day Celebration at DelCarte - Sunday, May 7 from 9 AM to 1 PM

We only have one Earth! Let's take good care of it! Franklin Residents are encouraged to join us for our Earth Day at DelCarte event on May 7th, 2023! Come join the Franklin Conservation Commission, Department of Public Works, Department of Conservation and Recreation, Agricultural Commission, and others to celebrate our shared Earth from 9am to 1pm at the DelCarte Conservation Area at 459 Pleasant Street. This is a great event for children and families!

Celebrate with us by signing up for compost bins, learning about stormwater and rain gardens, enjoying a woods walk, exploring vernal pools, and more!

Overflow parking is available at 337 Pleasant Street and other side streets. Service Hours validated upon request and stewardship. See you there!

This event had been scheduled for April 23 but got rained out.

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/events/427281

No rain in the forecast for this Earth Day Celebration at DelCarte - Sunday, May 7 from 9 AM to 1 PM

FHS Panthers Softball Clinic - May 7

FHS Panthers Softball Clinic, hosted by

@CoachShafferFHS

and the Varsity Softball Team!

Sunday May 7th, 10 AM – 12 PM Franklin High School Softball Fields Sign Up Link: https://signupgenius.com/go/20f054da8ad2ba0ff2-fhsyouth#/…

Please bring a check for $35 payable to FHS Softball Boosters.

Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/FHSSoftballBoos/status/1654286068508766210

FHS Panthers Softball Clinic - May 7

Recognizing the Needs of People on the Autism Spectrum and Their Families

Social Security’s programs touch the lives of nearly every American. We remain steadfast in our commitment to reducing barriers to ensure people eligible for our benefits receive them. We provide income security for the diverse populations we serve, including people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families.

Many parents and caretakers of children with disabilities lose work hours and income because of their children’s care needs. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides monthly financial support to low-income families with children who have developmental and behavioral disabilities. This includes ASD – and physical impairments.

Children under age 18 can get SSI if they meet Social Security’s definition of disability for children and live in a household with limited income and resources. We define a disability as:

• The child must have a physical or mental condition(s) that very seriously limits the child’s activities.
• The condition(s) must have lasted, or be expected to last, at least 1 year or result in death.

Continue reading the article on the Social Security page->

https://blog.ssa.gov/recognizing-the-needs-of-people-on-the-autism-spectrum-and-their-families/

Recognizing the Needs of People on the Autism Spectrum and Their Families

 

Franklin's Event Outlook: May 5, 2023 to May 11, 2023

Rain, rain, go away, all of Franklin wants to get out and play... Seems like that will actually happen this weekend. 

With a clear, dry and warm forecast, you can get out for a walk & talk about Franklin and have time to walk the labyrinth on Saturday. Or catch a Jamie Barrett concert at the Library. 

Your choices are listed below (and on the community calendar) as #artshappenhere in Franklin.

Friday, May 5 - Cinco de Mayo

5:00pm - Cinco de Mayo Fiesta (sold out) (LaCantina Winery)

6:00pm - Criminals & Beauty Queens (67 Degrees Brewery)

Saturday, May 6

10:00am - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

10:30am - Jane Jacobs Neighborhood Walk (start at Franklin Town Common)

10:30am - Jamie Barrett Concert (Franklin Public Library)

11:00am - Class of 2023 Commencement (Dean College)

12:45pm - World Labyrinth Day - Walk for Peace (First Universalist Society of Franklin)

4:00pm - Laura May duo (live music) (LaCantina Winery)

6:00pm - Sudden Odd Behavior (67 Degrees Brewery)

Sunday, May 7

1:00pm - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

7:00pm - Interfaith Teen Climate Change Meeting (St John’s Episcopal Church)

Tuesday, May 9

1:00pm - Dean College Lecture Series: Creative Writing (Franklin Senior Center)

7:00pm - FBRTC Meeting (67 Degrees Brewery)

7:00pm - Yankee Quilters (Emma's Quilt Cupboard)

Wednesday, May 10

1:00pm - Senior Scribblers (writing group) (Franklin Senior Center)

6:00pm - FHS POPS Night/8th Grade Side by Side Concert (Franklin High School)

7:00pm - Franklin Newcomers & Friends (Escape Into Fiction)

7:00pm - St Mary's Women's Faith Formation Group (virtual)

Thursday, May 11

10:00am - Writer's Quiet Space (Escape Into Fiction)

6:00pm - Dave Penza (live music) (LaCantina Winery)

7:00pm - Massachusetts Anti-Bullying Laws Workshop (Virtual)

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The Franklin Art Association Art Gallery remains open during business hours at Escape into Fiction (Main St, Franklin)

Find the full Community event calendar  https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

The Cultural calendar displays only the cultural events      https://www.franklinculture.org/things-do/pages/calendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district calendar is found  https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26 

Franklin's Event Outlook: April 21, 2023 to Apr 27, 2023