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

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

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

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

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)

Jamie Barrett added to Birchwood Bakery schedule for Saturday, July 22 from 6 to 9 PM

"Just added! Saturday, July 22, 2023, from 6:00 - 9:00 PM at Birchwood Bakery + Kitchen in downtown Franklin, MA! 

Did you know that they now serve beer and wine, along with many other beverages, and all kinds of yummy food? 

I’ll be performing out on the patio! Weather looks like it’ll be perfect! C’mon out!!"

Shared from Jamie's Facebook posting -> 

https://www.facebook.com/663257343/posts/pfbid0WqQSD6EKcuXrrgq179kCh4DPgucLHg5ZJ2uSDiwcr2HtXF3b7EST6mvKGhQU64a4l/

Jamie Barrett added to Birchwood Bakery schedule for Saturday, July 22 from 6 to 9 PM

FHS class of 1966 to celebrate 75th birthdays together in October

Via Janet Robinson's Facebook post 

"Mark your calendars. F.H.S. Class of 1966 classmates will celebrate our 75th birthdays on October 20, 2023 at the VFW in Franklin. A group email will be sent soon. 

Please pass party information on to fellow classmates you are in contact with who are not on Facebook. 

PM me to update your mail address you if do not receive the group invite. Looking forward to celebrating with you !"

https://www.facebook.com/groups/pantherpaw/permalink/6137531866355432/

FHS class of 1966 to celebrate 75th birthdays together in October

Head's Up Franklinites! National Grid is going to be doing some tree trimming

Town of Franklin, MA (@TOFranklinMA) tweeted on Fri, Jul 21, 2023:

DPW Notice: North Eastern Tree will conduct preventative tree around National Grid's power lines over the next several months. 

Access a full list of streets scheduled for tree work here: https://t.co/VCVF0mOCV1 

https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1682392490953850881

Following is a list of streets scheduled to be included:

• King St.
• Lockewood Dr.
• Wachusett St.
• Susan's Way
• Lawrence Dr.
• Sandy Lane
• Summer St.
• Crocker Ave
• Lewis St.
• Cook St.
• Hill AveEast Central St.
• Glen Meadow Rd.
• Squibnocket Rd.
• Shawkemo Path
• Woodchester Rd.
• Marion St.
• Florence St.
• Uncas Brook Dr.
• Uncas Pond Rd.
• Old Birch St.
• Jordan Rd.

National Grid is going to be doing some tree trimming

Beyond hot takes: Reporting on a warming planet (audio)

Sabrina Shankman (@shankman) tweeted on Thu, Jul 20, 2023:

"It was such a pleasure to talk to @NewsLitProject about climate science, climate journalism, the difference between "global warming" and "climate change," and how this all got so politically charged to begin with."

Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/shankman/status/1682036999421841416

"NEW, timely podcast episode: We talked to @BostonGlobe climate reporter @shankman about reporting on a warming world. How does she effectively communicate about the science to the Globe's audience? Listen & subscribe where you get your podcasts or https://bit.ly/S3E7NLP"

 

Beyond hot takes: Reporting on a warming planet (audio)

Scammers impersonate delivery service support to rip off drivers and restaurants

Scammers impersonate delivery service support to rip off drivers and restaurants By Larissa Bungo You may have heard about food delivery services like DoorDash or Uber Eats: you order through a restaurant's website or a delivery service's mobile app and drivers deliver your food. We're hearing about a new scam targeting food delivery drivers and restaurants. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2023/07/scammers-impersonate-delivery-service-support-rip-drivers-and-restaurants

Scammers impersonate delivery service support to rip off drivers and restaurants

Franklin's Event Outlook: July 21, 2023 to July 27, 2023

Friday, July 21

1:00pm - Book Sale ($1/book) (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm - Rainforest Reptiles (Franklin Public Library)

2:00pm - Franklin Farmers Market (Franklin Town Common)

3:00pm - South 9 (food truck) (Franklin Town Common)

3:30pm - Kendo (live music) (Franklin Town Common)

6:00pm - Ayla Brown & Rob Bellamy (live music)  (La Cantina Winery)

6:00pm - Northeast Groove (live music) (Franklin Town Common)

Saturday, July 22

9:00am - Book sale ($1/book) (Franklin Public Library)

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

10:30am - Toe Jam Puppet Band (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm - Bag sale (books at $5/bag) (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm - Escape from the Rogue Planet (Registration req'd)

4:00pm - Patrick Durkin (live music) (La Cantina Winery)

Sunday, July 23

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

Monday, July 24

10:00am - FSPA - Open House (Franklin School for Performing Arts - 38 Main St)

10:30am - Music at the Blissful Concert (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm - Comic Workshop for Kids with Maris Wicks (Franklin Public Library)

Tuesday, July 25

2:30pm - Rainbow Café (Franklin Senior Center)

Wednesday, July 26

1:00pm - Senior Scribblers (writing group) (monthly recording session at Franklin TV Studio)

5:30pm - Childhood 2.0 Movie Screening (Franklin Public Library)

Thursday, July 27

5:30pm - Comic Workshop with Maris Wicks (Franklin Public Library)

6:00pm - Open Mic Night (67 Degrees Brewery)

6:00pm - Charlie Rock (live music) (La Cantina Winery)

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

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: July 21, 2023 to July 27, 2023

Town Clerk Nancy Danello previews the election timeline leading to Nov 2023 (audio)

FM #1023 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1023 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Town Clerk Nancy Danello conducted in her office at the Municipal Building on Tuesday, July 18, 2023. 

We talk about the biennial Town of Franklin election. Nomination papers available Aug 1, timeline and details for return, certification of candidates, registration to vote. We also briefly discuss the possible Tri-County school building special election currently targeted for Oct 24 but to be confirmed during August.

The show notes include links to the Town Clerk page and to the Tri-County information.

The recording runs about 18 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1023-townclerk-ndanello-20230718

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

Town Clerk’s page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk 

Tri-County new building page -> https://www.tri-countybuilding.com/ 

Tri County School Building Project - Karen Maguire, Tri County Superintendent (presentation to Town Council) https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8a._tri_county_presentation.pdf

Tri-County Building update meeting in June, 2023 -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/06/tri-county-building-project-update.html 

Office of Campaign and Political Finances -> https://www.ocpf.us/ 

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

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 High School Names Jodi Klein Head Varsity Girls’ Soccer Coach

Franklin High School is proud to announce the appointment of Jodi Klein as the new coach for the Varsity Girls’ Soccer team. Coach Klein has been a part of the FHS athletic program since Fall of 2018. She has since served as the Freshman Coach, the Junior Varsity Coach, and one year as the interim Varsity Coach. Additionally, Coach Klein is employed as a physical therapist for Franklin Public Schools.

Jodi Klein

Coach Klein is a former National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division 1 collegiate athlete, playing four years of Women’s Soccer at Stony Brook University.  She is also a former New England Club Soccer League Head Coach, and U.S. Soccer Federation C Licensed. 

“We are excited to have Coach Klein step into this new role and lead our Girls’ Soccer Program!” said Karrah Ellis, Director of Athletics at Franklin High School.

Coach Klein is “excited and honored to be given the opportunity to lead the Franklin High School Girls' Soccer program.” thanks “Coach Geysen for his career-long commitment to this program and for building us such a strong foundation" as she looks towards leading the team in this new chapter.

Library book sale this weekend. Stock for your summer reading needs! July 21 & 22

If you like to read, it might be your Christmas in July. Per Library Director Felicia Oti, the library has more books for sale this month than usual. 

Summertime reading? Why not stop by Friday and Saturday for the book sale. $1/book. Saturday afternoon it is a real bargain with books by the bag. Yup, a whole bag (they provide it) for $5.

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/Cu7zPsHRopn/

Stock for your summer reading needs! July 21 & 22

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

The Solutions Extended Day program is hiring Group Leaders

The Solutions Extended Day program, a service of the Franklin Public Schools, is looking to hire Group Leaders. 

Groups leaders would work Monday to Friday from 2 to 6 PM and earn $17 to 18.50/hour. These positions are eligible for benefits and are scheduled to begin August 21, 2023.

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience working with school age children
• Process strong leadership and organizational skills
• Computer knowledge, especially in Google Apps

Please send your letter of interest and resume to solutions@franklinps.net

The Solutions Extended Day program is hiring Group Leaders

For more about the Solutions Extended Day program visit them online at    https://www.franklinlifelonglearning.com/solutions_program/index.php

Town of Franklin: July is UV Awareness Month

The sun is most intense at between 10am - 4pm. During this time make sure to wear sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher), cover up, avoid tanning beds, and stay in the shade. Use extra caution near water, snow and sand. These three materials reflect the damaging rays of the sun, which can increase your chance of sunburn. 

For more information: https://www.epa.gov/radtown/ultraviolet-uv-radiation-and-sun-exposure 

 

Town of Franklin: July is UV Awareness Month

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Friday, July 21, 2023

• wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM dial = Friday

9:00a/12:00p /6:00p Chapters – Jim Derick  Insightful, life-affirming stories and interviews

10:00a/1:00p/7:00p Music to Lift the Spirit - Jim Derick & Frank Falvey

11:00a/2:00p/8:00pm Senior Story Hour – Senior Center Scribblers Group

• Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 26) = FRIDAY

7:30 am     Commonwealth Heroines

9:00 am     Frank Presents: James Ginley

11:00 am Senior Connection: Public Health

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin': Peppers

12:30 pm Sandya: Crepes

1:00 pm     Physician Focus: Oral Health

1:30 pm     Pizzapalooza: Healthy Pizza Crusts

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 5

3:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Shaun Hart Pt 2

3:30 pm     Riffing on Main Street: Catherine Kennedy

4:30 pm     Second Sunday Speaker Series: Mary Olsson

8:30 pm 4th of July 2023: Backyard Swagger

• Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 96, Verizon 28) = FRIDAY

7:00 am     Public School Concert: MICCA Showcase Pt. 1 03-14-18

8:30 am     It Takes A Village: Community College

10:30 am FHS Varsity Softball: v North Attleboro 04-24-23

12:30 pm Universe of Adolescent Sleep

1:30 pm     FHS Chamber Music 2023

3:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Lacrosse: v Longmeadow 04-28-23

8:30 pm FHS Senior Awards Night 2020

• Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 11, Verizon 29) =  FRIDAY

8:00 am Zoning Board of Appeals: 06-22-23

2:00 pm Zoning Board of Appeals: 06-22-23

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

Town of Franklin: Job Opportunities with Finance, Building, DPW, & Facilities - maybe one of these is for you?

Job Opportunities

To apply for a vacant position, please submit a resume and cover letter to apply@franklinma.gov.  Please put the job title in the subject line of your email. 

Payroll Administrator - Finance Department

Administrative Assistant - Building and Inspections Department

Motor Equipment Repair Person - Department of Public Works

Local Building Inspector - Building and Inspections Department

Heavy Motor Equipment Operators - Department of Public Works

Part Time and Substitute Custodians - Facilities Department

Updated 07/19/2023

If you do not have a resume, you may send a completed Application for Employment instead.

To receive notifications of all job opportunities in the Town of Franklin, subscribe here .

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/human-resources/pages/job-opportunities

Job Opportunities with Finance, Building, DPW, & Facilities

Sunday's service at FUSF: The Spirituality of the Labyrinth

The description for this coming Sunday's lay-led summer service "The Spirituality of the Labyrinth" at the First Universalist Society of Franklin (FUSF).

Bobbi Gerlits has two spiritual practices that involve the labyrinth – walking the labyrinth herself, and facilitating labyrinth walks for others. She feels most nourished when her life includes opportunities to engage in both spiritual practices. During this service Bobbi will facilitate a walk on her indoor canvas labyrinth. She will invite those present to find their inner stillness and silence and be open to what the labyrinth has to offer. 

Sunday's service at FUSF: The Spirituality of the Labyrinth

The service is set for 10:00 AM on Sunday, July 23 at the First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF), at 262 Chestnut Street. 

FUSF is a Unitarian Universalist LGBTQIA+ Welcoming Congregation. 

For more information about the FUSF, please visit our website: www.FUSF.org or call the Office at 508-528-5348. 

Schedule of Spiritual Practices Sundays at FUSF:

July 30: Prayer as a Portal

August 6: Sangha and Mindfulness 

August 13: Respect for all living things

August 20: Trees: Bridges to Spirit

August 27: Everyday Spiritual Practices