Sunday, December 17, 2023

Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for December 20, 2023 meeting

Franklin Town Council
Agenda & Meeting Packet
December 20, 2023 - 7 PM

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.
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. November 1, 2023  
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/3a._november_1_2023_tc_meeting_minutes_-draft_for_review.pdf
b. November 15, 2023  
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/3b._november_15_2023_tc_meeting_minutes_-draft_for_review.pdf
c. November 21, 2023  
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/3c._november_21_2023_tc_meeting_minutes_-draft_for_review.pdf
4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS
a. Proclamation: William “Ken” Norman
5. APPOINTMENTS - None Scheduled
6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM - None Scheduled

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
a. 2024 Annual Alcohol License Renewals
i. See attached “2024 Town of Franklin Alcohol Licenses Renewals”  
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/7a._license_renewals_2024.pdf
 
8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION - None Scheduled

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 23-71: Town Council Approval of County ARPA Funds

b. Bylaw Amendment 23-902: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin by Inserting Chapter 147, Snow and Ice, Removal Of - Second Reading
(Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 23-902 - Majority Roll Call Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9b._23-902_snow_removal.pdf

c. Bylaw Amendment 23-903: A Bylaw to Amend the code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Fees, Municipal Service - Second Reading
(Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 23-903 - Majority Roll Call Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9c._23-903_mattress_fee.pdf

d. Resolution 23-72: Davis-Thayer Building Reuse Advisory Committee Charge - Extension of Committee Terms and Deadline to Make Final Report

e. Resolution 23-73: Revised 2024 Town Council Meeting Schedule

f. Resolution 23-74: Receipts Reserved for Appropriation Transportation Network Companies (TNC) Ride Assessment Transfer and Appropriation

g. Resolution 23-75: Gift Acceptance - Police Dept. ($5,000), Veterans’ Services Dept. ($3,145) & Senior Center ($200) (Motion to Approve Resolution 23-75 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9g._1_-_23-75-_gift_acceptance_-_pd_vets_sr._ctr._1.pdf

h. Resolution 23-76: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44,§53F3/4 (Motion to Approve Resolution 23-76 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9h._-_23-76_-_peg_comcast_verizon.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. 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



Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for December 20, 2023 meeting
Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for December 20, 2023 meeting

One Franklin’s New Years Resolution - Jan 11, 2024 from 6 to 9 PM

Join One Franklin for a New Years Resolution Public Event on January 11 from 6-9 PM at 67 Degrees Brewing

Meet our leadership team and talk directly with elected leaders about how we are working together to avoid cuts to Franklin's town services, most significantly to our public schools!

(One Franklin is a ballot question committee formed to pass an operational override in Franklin.)


One Franklin’s New Years Resolution - Jan 11, 2024 from 6 to 9 PM
One Franklin’s New Years Resolution - Jan 11, 2024 from 6 to 9 PM

FHS boys hockey tops Falmouth on Saturday

Via Twitter and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the fall sports competition for Franklin High School on Saturday, Dec 16, 2023. 

** Boys Hockey = Franklin, 3 vs. Falmouth, 1 – Final
HockomockSports.com photo gallery -> (subscription required)

Recap via @FHSPantherHocke ->

Game #2 Results: #10 Franklin (3) Falmouth (1) 
(Shots Franklin 40 Falmouth 18)

1st period Recap:
Boys jump right out of the gate McEvoy, Balducci & Daley make a quick rush on the goalie but #35 makes a clutch save, on transition Falmouth gets a breakaway and beats Wagner to break the ice. As play ensued there was heavy forecheck by Lampasona, Paterson & Quinn and strong blueline play by Smith and Toli to hem Falmouth into the zone. Hard play follows with Hager, Langevin and C. Taccini. After 3 minutes of heavy ice tilt, Marchand and Smith double up with a big hit & breakout pass to Balducci who hits Daley in stride and finds McEvoy on the far side off to the races for the 5-hole goal! Big blue line stands by Arienti and Harrington throughout the period derails several rushes for Falmouth. #35 Falmouth's goalkeeper came up huge in the first savings 14 shots & kept things tight. Wagner solid first period.
2nd Period Recap:
It's an all-out rush on Falmouth's goal from the drop of the puck after the break, #35 is standing strong & doing all he can from this one being broken wide open. ISt power play comes about the 13-minute mark & #35 comes up big again. At 10:35 Lampasona makes a rush putting a shot on net that's deflected into the corner where Paterson gathers the puck & snaps a laser from the goal line that finds it way into the back of the net putting Franklin up I.C. Taccini, Langevin & Hager putting in some great shifts, only a matter of time till the chip one home. And w/ 6:46 to go in the 2nd Langevin wins an Ozone faceoff back to Matt Toli who snipes one from the point!! (ISt varsity GOAL!!!) putting Franklin up 2. McAlphine, Lewandowski & Carosi digging deep with a string forecheck & making a couple nice rushes. The defense continues to play strong, Marchand & Toli delivering some big hits while Arienti, Harrington & Smith hold the line. Franklin closes out the period with another 15 shots & out shotting Falmouth 30-6. Wagner holds tight & serves up a goose egg to Falmouth.
3rd Period Recap:
Things became very quiet as an injury on the ice that took the tempo of the game way down. Outstanding play by #35 Falmouth goalkeeper really the difference maker in keeping this game tight. #25 Falmouth we hope all is 0k, know you're in our thoughts & prayers!! 
Final Franklin 3 Falmouth 1 Wagner (POG) 
High points: lots of shots, tempo was good, building on team chemistry & experience. Making strides, still need to tighten up play but each game boys getting better. 
Franklin vs Canton: HOME - Wednesday 12/20 puck drops @ 6:00PM!

Falmouth Clipper Hockey (@Clipperhockey1) posted on Sun, Dec 17, 2023:
Player update.  Clipper defenseman Ethan Santos collided with a Franklin player last night  which resulted in him being transported to UMass Medical in Worcester.  I am happy to report Ethan is home resting comfortably and  will make a full recovery. @camkerry7 @BostonHeraldHS


** Girls Hockey = Canton, 2 @ Franklin, 0 - Final
  • We’re underway at the Vet. Franklin a man down 1 min in.
  • Izzy Brown with 3 stops on the PK. Panthers now on the PP.
  • Panthers  trailing 2 after a hard fought first period.
  • Despite a flurry of offensive zone activity in the 3rd, the Lady Panthers fall 2-0 to a solid Canton team.

For other results around the Hockomock League (subscription required) 

Samples from the Franklin Public Schools K-12 Winter Art Showcase - Dec 13, 2023


Catching up to sharing more of the photos of the Franklin Public Schools K-12 Winter Art Showcase which was held in a short period from 4:30 to 6:30 PM in the FHS Library/Media Center on Wednesday, Dec 13, 2023.

I had shared a sample initially on Wednesday via Instagram.  What I wrote then is still good upon review today:
"Just a sample of the art displayed here at the high school from around the district. I wish there was more space to share these works, and more time for folks to come & see. The variety and quality is amazing!"
The link to the Instagram post -> https://www.instagram.com/p/C0zx9MVxhXH

The album with all the photos I captured on Wednesday. Please take time to review them, the work being showcased is amazing.  



Just a sample of the art displayed here at the high school
Just a sample of the art displayed here at the high school

Finance Committee takes a 'deep dive' (sorta) into the Faculties budget (audio)

FM #1116 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1116 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares the Finance Committee meeting held on Wednesday, December 13, 2023. 


They met as scheduled to get an update on the State revenue forecast, take a “deep dive” into the Facilities budget, and get an update on grants for Town and School over the past 10 years.  


6 Finance Committee members participated; 4 in Chambers (Chair Conley, Hamilton, Riley & Nagel), 2 participated remotely (Keophannga & Sansoucy)


Quick recap:

  • State revenue forecast for FY 2024 not meeting expectation, no cuts yet per Governor, does likely mean less revenue for next years budget although local aid is usually one of the last to get affected, something to stay tuned into

  • Budget hearings for May 2024 were confirmed as May 6 for General Government, May 8 for Public safety (Police, Fire, & Dispatch) and DPW (water, sewer, storm water) and Schools on May 15. Proposed meeting calendar to be updated with this decision

  • Deep dive into Facilities

    • Discussion on the list of facilities provided, yes it is facilities not just the buildings

    • Extended discussion on the Upper Union St solar farm which we don't own but for which we own the electrical output and which leads to credits on the Town electrical bill that are used for multiple other electrical improvements, upgrades

    • This turned into a discussion on the heating efficiencies of some buildings; FHS for example was built with better insulation and the walls are R40, vs. the 3 middle school complex buildings are rated R19. This means the heating cots for those buildings are higher due to the less efficient (i.e. insulation factors)

    • While mentioned in passing that the Master Plan Committee has a subcommittee on facilities, and the Schools are working on their long range comprehensive facilities plan, there were no further details added at this time. Members of the School Committee and Central office were present but did not get to provide any additional info

    • The 10 year projection of expenses across the buildings was split evenly between Town and School per Chair Conley. It was not discussed how these expenses would be funded. It was mentioned that the Facilities budget is the first to get hit when a budget shortfall is needed to be adjusted for. Projects get postponed until funding is available (hence the listing of projects that exists, some of which have been awaiting for some time)

  • Discussion on the 10 year report of grants received by the Town and Schools. These made for interesting reading although some of them are not purely "grants" (i.e. the cable access fees are included, they are present due to the accounting for them). One quick take away from the grant report is that the Town has been quite successful over time in obtaining grants and while they will continue to do so, the grant amounts are not sufficient to really make an impact on either the Town or School budget. Averaging approximately 4 million (combined Town & School) on a $150M budget is respectfully valuable but “small change”


The meeting recording runs about an hour & 20 minutes, so let’s listen to the Finance Committee meeting Dec 13, 2023. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1116-franklin-ma-finance-cmte-mtg-12-13-23



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Agenda ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/dec_13_2023_fin_com_agenda.pdf 


Watch the Franklin TV video available for replay https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4WDEAYIeJU 


Public Property & Building, aka “the Facilities Department”

i. FY24 Public Property & Buildings Budget  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/fy24_public_property_buildings_budget.pdf 

ii. List of Town Owned Buildings  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/list_of_town_owned_buildings_0.pdf 

iii. December 2020 Kaestle Boos study on school facilities current conditions  

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/franklin_comprehensive_facilities_assessment_-_final_updated_12.1.2020_1.pdf 

iv. Franklin School Department Redistricting Analysis 

https://www.franklinps.net/district/redistricting-analysis 

v. Comprehensive School Facilities Planning Subcommittee  

https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/pages/subcommittees-and-liaisons 

vi. 10-year Capital Facilities Plan    

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/5a._vi_-_facilities_capital_improvement_plan_fy23.12.07.23.xlsx_-_10_year_plan.pdf 

b. Grants discussion

i. Ten-year municipal grants history  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/5b._i_-_grant_reporting_project_for_fincom_-_town.pdf 

ii. Ten-year school grants history  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/5b._ii_-_grant_reporting_project_for_fincom_-_school.pdf 


My notes captured via Twitter during the meeting and found in 1 PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Vn59WoX94X8yvI0CFWCqw1X6A9m5ePjd/view?usp=drive_link 


Link to Finance Committee => https://www.franklinma.gov/finance-committee 


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


Franklin, MA: Finance Committee - Agenda for meeting Dec 13, 2023
Franklin, MA: Finance Committee - Agenda for meeting Dec 13, 2023

FHS Swim photos for the meet at Milford Dec 15, 2023

Boys Swimming
Franklin, 67 @ Milford, 86 – Final

Girls Swimming
Franklin, 96 @ Milford, 61 – Final
Solid first day meet for Franklin.
Girls defeat Milford 96-61
Milford boys defeat Franklin 86-67
Adding some photos to the meet results for Friday, Dec 15, 2023


Shared from:
"congrats to Hannah and Connor on earning the Dory and Nemo!!"
"congrats to Hannah and Connor on earning the Dory and Nemo!!"

More photos -> https://www.instagram.com/p/C06-3jfOA-7/

Franklin Swimming season opener is 12/15/23 at 4pm in Milford!
Franklin Swimming season opener is 12/15/23 at 4pm in Milford!

Franklin TV: Millis Berfield Band

A Unique Musical Delight

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 12/17/2023

On Thursday, Frank Falvey invited a most entertaining local duo to our studios. The Millis Berfield Band. (Thank you, Frank.)

Millis Berfield Band
Millis Berfield Band

Percussionist Ken Porter, and at the guitar, Bo Veaner. They've been playing together for over ten years. (They claim that they’re finally getting the hang of it.) Their music is an eclectic list of covers and clever originals written by Veaner.

Look for their episodes in January on Frank Falvey’s TV program, ‘Frank Presents’ on our All-Access channel Comcast 6/Verizon 26, and catch them on 102.9, wfpr●fm as well.

And – as always –
Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm. 
And, thank you for watching.
Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf   

Your Franklin questions answered, in person or remotely - Dec 20 at 11 AM

What is going on with .... ?
What happened to ....?
How come .... ?

Join Steve Sherlock, Franklin Matters & wfpr.fm Community Information Director (volunteer), for an informal and informative Q&A session. 

What is the session about?

• Steve provides some updates on what's happened in the past month in the first 10-15 minutes, then opens the floor to answer whatever questions you have

When: Wednesday, December 20, 2023 at 11:00 AM  

Where: Franklin Senior Center (2nd floor conf room) and via Zoom

If you want the Zoom link, please use this form, or check with the Senior Center front desk, or email me:  https://forms.gle/ytKRJPxM8FFH1YUV7  



Your Franklin questions answered, in person or remotely - Dec 20 at 11 AM
Your Franklin questions answered, in person or remotely - Dec 20 at 11 AM

Saturday, December 16, 2023

Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club - save the date for Feb 7, 2024

Save the date .… the Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club welcomes you to join us at our next bi-monthly gathering on Wednesday, February 7, 2024.

Our speaker Owen Folsom, a financial advisor, will share his expertise on topics like Long Term Care, 529 college funds, the importance of life insurance and more. We meet at Escape Into Fiction Book Store, 12 Main Street in Franklin at 7:00 pm. 

Come early and shop at this gem of a bookstore . . . in addition, you’ll meet new friends, learn new things and have fun. We provide light refreshments from Franklin restaurants.

We are a multi-generational, member-driven organization and are always excited to welcome new faces and new ideas. Residents of Franklin, or any surrounding town that doesn't have a Newcomers Club, are welcome to join us. In addition to our bi-monthly meetings, we hold fun and varied events to stay connected throughout the year.

Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club - save the date for Feb 7, 2024
Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club - save the date for Feb 7, 2024

Franklin Food Pantry recognizes Community Garden Success

"The numbers are in! 
This year Franklin Community Gardens grew more than 1,650 lbs. of produce for The Food Pantry, which equates to approximately $14,000 of fresh-grown, local, and organic vegetables and herbs. 
The group also donated 100 flower arrangements to neighbors in need. 
We are grateful for our community of dedicated volunteers."

Franklin Food Pantry recognizes Community Garden Success
Franklin Food Pantry recognizes Community Garden Success


FHS girls & boys basketball, wrestling, and girls swim teams all post wins on Friday

Via Twitter and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the fall sports competition for Franklin High School on Friday, Dec 15, 2023. 


Boys Basketball = King Philip, 33 @ Franklin, 80 – Final


Girls Basketball = Franklin, 40 @ King Philip, 38 – Final


Wrestling = Silver Lake Quad (Franklin), 3-0
Phenomenal way to start the quad in silver lake final score 45-33 in favor of franklin. Pins from Carter Sauer, O’Connell, Large and Cooper. 2 matches left on the day stay tuned for results  https://twitter.com/FHSWrestle/status/1735793595234308437

Shameful win over Cambridge final score 49-18. Pins from Carlucci, Rosenberg, and Houlahan. One match to go on the day  https://twitter.com/FHSWrestle/status/1735825357712826552

Franklin takes another W against Cohassett 54-24 leaving us 3-0 on the day. Pins from Nash, Sauer, Carlucci, Rosenberg, O’Connell, Pritoni, and Cooper. OW goes Keaton Cooper with 2 pins and one of them to clinch the dual against silver lake  


Swimming = Franklin @ Milford, 4:00
Solid first day meet for Franklin.
Girls defeat Milford 96-61
Milford boys defeat Franklin 86-67
For other results around the Hockomock League (subscription required) 

FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com
FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com

Volunteers sought for the Youth football and Cheerleading board

Have you been wondering about ways to get involved in our ever-growing program? You should consider joining our Board!!

We are opening all of our Manager and Assistant Manager positions:
 • Registration Manager
 • Equipment Manager (and Assistant Manager)
 • Concessions Manager
 • Facilities/Scheduling Manager
 • Fundraising Manager (and Assistant Manager)
 • Public relations/Social Media Manager
 • Pro-Shop Manager (and Assistant Managers for both Football and Cheer)

If you are interested in one of these opportunities, please email president@franklinpanthersyfb.com and vice-president@franklinpanthersyfb.com, no later than January 1st. 

Be sure to include your name, the position you're interested in, and any additional information you'd like to include. 

We'll be looking to fill these roles at our January 10th meeting. 

We look forward to hearing from you!!

Volunteers sought for the Youth football and Cheerleading board
Volunteers sought for the Youth football and Cheerleading board


"The Franklin Panthers is a non-profit organization that offers children, ages 7-14 years, the opportunity to participate in football and cheerleading. All board members, coaches, and assistants are volunteers and are here to ensure that every child participates in a safe and enjoyable, yet disciplined environment. We as parents, board members, and coaches feel it is essential to emphasize fun, teamwork, sportsmanship, camaraderie, and physical fitness throughout all phases of our program. Our hope is that each child will take with them the positive lessons, values, and memories experienced during their years with the Chargers organization. Franklin Panthers is part of the American Youth Football and Cheer organization."