Franklin, MA: Agenda for February 28, 2024 Town Council Meeting

FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL

Agenda & Meeting Packet

February 28, 2024 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. January 31, 2024

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS - None Scheduled

5. APPOINTMENTS - None Scheduled

6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM

a. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-901 (formerly 23-901): Zoning Map Changes from Single Family Residential III to Business an Area On or Near King Street, A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Section 5, Zoning Map

i. Legislation for Action #9a.

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

a. License Modification - Change of Manager of a Section 15 Retail Package Store License: Shaw’s Supermarkets, Inc. d/b/a Shaw’s; Located at 255 East Central St., Franklin, MA 02038

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Discussion: OPEB Actuarial Report - Dan Sherman, Sherman Actuarial Services

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Bylaw Amendment 24-901 (formerly 23-901): Zoning Map Changes from Single Family Residential III to Business an Area On or Near King Street, A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Section 5, Zoning Map - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 24-901 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)

b. Resolution 24-03: FY24 Capital Improvement Plan

(Motion to Approve Resolution 24-03 - Majority Vote)

c. Resolution 24-04: Free Cash to Stabilization Accounts Transfers

(Motion to Approve Resolution 24-04 - Majority Vote)

d. Resolution 24-08: Town Council’s Support of Pending State Legislation Entitled “The Municipal Empowerment Act” (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-08 - Majority Vote) 

e. Resolution 24-09: Revised 2024 Town Council Meeting Schedule

(Motion to approve Resolution 24-09 - Majority Vote)

f. Resolution 24-10: Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Dept. ($2,900), Senior Center ($200), Police Dept. ($50) (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-10 - Majority Vote)

g. Resolution 24-11: Designation of “Special Municipal Employee” Under State Ethics Law (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-11 - Majority Vote)

h. Resolution 24-12: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44, §53F3/4 (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-12 - Majority Vote)

i. Resolution 24-13: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44, §53F3/4 (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-13 - Majority Vote)

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Town Administrator Evaluation Ad Hoc Subcommittee Report

b. Capital Budget Subcommittee

c. Economic Development Subcommittee

d. Budget Subcommittee

e. Master Plan Committee

f. Davis-Thayer Reuse Advisory Committee

g. Police Station Building Committee

h. GATRA Advisory Board

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION

a. Considering the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property, because an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the Public Body.

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/town_council_agenda_2.28.24.pdf

Franklin, MA: Agenda for February 28, 2024 Town Council Meeting

Franklin TV: A Not So Quiet Week?

Last week was a quiet week. This one? Not so much. 

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 02/25/2024

I think I’ll describe this week as a ‘push’ week. A push to get ahead technically while preparing for big upcoming projects. Thus, a busier week.

Sunday: Same, same. Like every other Sunday morning. Gather and file all radio station program, transmitter and ‘Emergency Alert’ test logs for the previous week. Verify that the transmitter is in good order.

Monday: A holiday? Srsly? An opportunity to catch up on more paperwork. 

Tuesday: This one was a big push. We’ve been revamping our larger studio with six 85-inch background displays. When you line ‘em up, they create an impressive amount of visual real estate to fill with graphics and camera images. We have plans for upcoming larger musical projects in our large studio. Now that the displays are mounted and movable, time for some signals wiring. We also re-mounted and tuned up the five 65-inch displays in small studio.

Wednesday: Review/submit timesheets to payroll. Purchase memory cards at Micro Center. for our 4 edit systems. Record a pre-show interview segment with Meredith Perri and Bob Baldwyn for the Saturday MIAA bracket reveal programs. Radio production studio is dead. Power distro failed again. Replace UPS and rewire power distro. Reset the audio console and test all CPU systems. Reset Off-Air signal monitor and transmitter controls interface.

Meet with MIAA for last prepro discussions regarding Saturday broadcasts. Prepare bracket graphics in Excel and format for HDTV for bracket reveals.

Thursday: Begin updating edit systems with more memory. Begin preparing the small studio signal management for Saturday’s broadcasts. Work on rehearsal and prepro for a new cooking series that starts production in a week or so.

Friday: Get commissary and cleaning items at Stop&Shop. Clean up the kitchen (dishes/pots/pans) after the cooking show rehearsal. Check the restrooms. Take out trash. Meet with Jim Derick, and our newest FM volunteers to acquaint them with our radio studio and editing systems. Finalize the signal flows for Saturday’s live programs and run and troubleshoot technical rehearsals with Chris Flynn. Prep our weekly online TV schedules.

Saturday: 7:30 AM call time. Prepare to go live – statewide – with our first MIAA bracket reveal programs.  Several other PEG studios will carry our programs live.

It’s around this time each week I ask myself the same unanswerable question: “Where does the time go?”

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

Franklin Public Library: News & Events for Children scheduled for March 2024

**LIBRARY EVENTS**

Weekly/Monthly for Children

Move Along! Mondays @ 10:30AM (Ages 0-5)
This thirty-minute program features music, movement, stories, and other interactive activities to encourage social skills and promote early literacy!

Dungeons and Dragons Club for Kids & Teens! Mondays, 4:00-6:00 PM (Ages 7+)
Kids are invited to join us for a weekly Dungeons and Dragons Club! The library will supply dice, rule books, and blank character sheets! (Dungeon Masters must be ages 12 and up) Email mgousie@minlib.net for registration and more information.

Cool Cruisers! Tuesdays @ 9:30 AM
Babies who have graduated from tummy time and are scooting all over the place are welcome to this playgroup just for them! We recognize that fun age of exploring is very different from their first few months, so join us for a special playgroup just for this exciting time!

Get Ready for Kindergarten! Tuesdays @ 10:30 AM (Ages 3-5)
This 30-minute program featuring stories, songs, activities, and a special craft will help prepare your children for preschool and kindergarten. Since a big part of getting ready for Kindergarten is practicing independence, parents and caregivers are encouraged to watch from the adjoining room. No registration required!

Toe-Tapping Tots! Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 4:00PM (Ages 2-5)
Let's play some music and get those toes tapping! We will have fun learning to move to the music while building coordination and confidence. No registration required!

Story Tots! Wednesdays @ 10:30AM (Ages 18 mos. – 3yrs)
Enjoy thirty minutes of interactive stories, songs, and fun! No registration required!

Bookworm Bounce! Wednesdays @ 4:00PM
Join us for an afternoon story time full of music, movement, stories, and other interactive activities to encourage social skills and promote early literacy! Ideal for ages 0-5. No registration required!

Tummy Time! Thursdays @ 9:30AM
Babies and caregivers: join us each Thursday morning for Tummy Time! Nurture your baby's development with gentle music, movement, and sensory play at the library! Please bring a small blanket or towel for your baby's comfort!

Story and Craft! Thursdays @ 10:30AM (Ages 3-5)
Stories, activities, and a special craft for children ages 3-5 who are able to attend on their own!  Parents are encouraged to watch from the adjoining room! This program lasts around 30-minutes. No registration is required.

Toe-Tapping Tots! Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 4:00PM (Ages 2-5)
Let's play some music and get those toes tapping! We will have fun learning to move to the music while building coordination and confidence. No registration required!

Artsy Afternoons Thursdays @ 4:00 PM (Ages 5-11)
Registration required per event. Register on the Calendar of Events!
Join local instructor Sharon Carloni for this step-by-step craft specifically for kids! All materials will be provided and you'll get to take home your very own masterpiece!
This month's projects are:

Mar 7 - Carousel Horses Part 1

Mar 14 - Carousel Horses Part 2

Mar 21 - Stick Puppets

Mar 28 - Zoo Animals à la Warhol

Happy Feet! Alternating Fridays @ 10:30AM (Ages 0-5)
Let's play some music and get those feet moving! Join us for 30-minutes of creative movement and dancing fun! No registration required!

Move Along! Alternating Fridays @ 10:30AM (Ages 0-5)
This thirty-minute program features music, movement, stories, and other interactive activities for littles! Parents and caregivers are welcome and encouraged to participate. No registration required!

Weekend Wiggles! Alternating Saturdays @ 10:30AM (Ages 0-5)
A weekend storytime for littles and their grown-ups! Let's play some music and dance! We will have fun learning to move to the music while building coordination and confidence. Laughter and giggles are definitely expected! No registration required!

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/news/march-2024-franklin-library-news-events

Franklin Public Library: News & Events for Children scheduled for March 2024

FHS Indoor Results from the MIAA Meet of Champions - Feb 24, 2024

Feb 24, 2024 MIAA Meet of Champions -> https://lasttimeout.anet.live/meets/30513 

The performance list (seeded entries) for this meet -> https://miaa.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2024-MOC-Final.pdf

Franklin High School results

Girls 55m Hurdles - Prelims

3 Sarah Dumas H3 • Age: 16 • Yr: 12 8.46Q

12 Ella Chandaria     H2 • Age: 14 • Yr: 11 8.85

Boys 55m Hurdles - Prelims

12 Quinten Hardt H3 • Yr: 12 7.90 7.899

Girls 55m Hurdles

3 Sarah Dumas PR • H1 • Age: 16 • Yr: 12 8.35

Girls High Jump

7 Sarah Dumas F1 • Age: 16 • Yr: 12 5-02.00 1.57m

Boys Long Jump

17 Aidan Thorne F1 • Yr: 11 20-01.00 6.12m

Girls Shot Put

2 Lily DeForge PR • F2 • Age: 15 • Yr: 12 40-06.50 12.36m

5 Elizabeth Hopkins PR • F2 • Yr: 12 38-00.00 11.58m

Girls Weight Throw

5 Lily DeForge PR • F1 • Age: 15 • Yr: 12 41-05.00 12.62m

6 Girls 4x200 Meter Relay 1:47.26 'A' • H5 • O. Costa, E. Chandaria, A. Cliff, J. Camp

2 Boys 4x200 Meter Relay 1:31.57 'A' • H5 • Q. Hardt, S. Reed Jr, B. Dragsbaek, T. Yetman

14 Girls 4x400 Meter Relay 4:13.75 'A' • H2 • O. Costa, G. Holland, A. Cliff, J. Camp

15 Girls 4x800 Meter Relay 10:05.45 SB • 'A' • H1 • M. Griffith, C. Joyce, L. Costa, S. Cuneo

FHS Indoor Results from the MIAA Meet of Champions - Feb 24, 2024

Winning Ways with the MIAA: The Road to Tsongas Center (video)

Winning Ways with the MIAA: The Road to Tsongas Center is a collaboration of the MIAA, MassLive, and broadcast by Franklin TV.

The YouTube recording of the live broadcast conducted on Saturday with the release of the high school Basketball brackets. There is a separate show covering the hockey brackets.

Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/live/lBbJxr0MHbQ?si=oZLtdyacoG6iYMym

MA D1 boys bracket (including Franklin) -> http://miaa.statebrackets.com/tmenu.cfm?tid=7008

MA D1 girls bracket (including Franklin) -> http://miaa.statebrackets.com/tmenu.cfm?tid=7019

Full set of MIAA brackets ->  here

Winning Ways with the MIAA: The Road to Tsongas Center  (video)

Winning Ways with the MIAA: The Road to TD Garden (video)

Winning Ways with the MIAA: The Road to TD Garden is a collaboration of the MIAA, MassLive, and broadcast by Franklin TV.

The YouTube recording of the live broadcast conducted on Saturday with the release of the high school hockey brackets. There is a separate show covering the basketball brackets.

Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewhCmw602g4

MA D1 boys bracket (including Franklin) -> http://miaa.statebrackets.com/tmenu.cfm?tid=6998

MA D1 girls bracket (including Franklin) -> http://miaa.statebrackets.com/tmenu.cfm?tid=7012

Full set of MIAA brackets ->  here

Winning Ways with the MIAA: The Road to TD Garden (video)

Grace Tucceri recognized for MA Scholastic Press 2024 All-State High School Journalism

Pantherbook (@FHSPantherbook) posted Sat, Feb 24, 2024

Congratulations to @FranklinHS own @GraceTucceri for being selected to the Massachusetts Scholastic Press 2024 All-State High School Journalism Staff.  

Grace is one of only 12 student in MA to receive this honor. https://t.co/g1Q3cRuFmb

Grace Tucceri recognized

Shared from -> https://twitter.com/FHSPantherbook/status/1761374151267217593

LiveARTS: ** Sunday, Feb 25 ** Chaminade Club Community Concert

February 25th, 3:00pm at Murray Church in Attleboro

Join us this Sunday for a free community concert with The Chaminade Club of Attleboro Come and join the Chaminade Club of Attleboro  for a free community concert! Tomorrow, Sunday, February 25th, at 3:00 PM at Murray Unitarian Universalist Church in Attleboro, MA Named for famed French composer Cécile Chaminade, the Chaminade Music Club of Attleboro has been presenting concerts for its community since its inception in 1912. In its 111th season, the Chaminade Club has joined forces with LiveARTS and the Schubert Club to celebrate the musical and cultural life of southeastern Massachusetts and northern Rhode Island. Sunday, February 25 - Time: 3:00 PM Location: Murray Unitarian Universalist Church, 505 North Main St., Attleboro MA Tickets:  This concert is free and open to the public. Donations are gratefully accepted in support of the Chaminade Club of Attleboro. Free parking. Murray Unitarian Universalist Church is ADA accessible. Copyright © 2022 LiveARTS, Franklin, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: LiveARTS, P.O. Box 678, Franklin, MA 02038

Don't Forget to Apply to Showcase Your Backyard Habitat by February 29!

Don't Forget to Apply to Showcase Your Backyard Habitat by February 29!

Backyard Ecosystem Education (BEE) Program

This application is for Franklin business owners and residents that have an existing, established habitat to be showcased during the BEE Program field day on Friday, May 10, 2024 between 10a and 2p. Participants of the BEE Program will be bussed around Town for a tour to visit and experience established habitats and we would love to have you as a stop on our tour! Applications and habitats will be reviewed and confirmed by the Franklin Conservation Agent/Natural Resource Protection Manager and an unbiased third-party organization. the Friends of Franklin Conservation. Two habitats will be chosen to be showcased and the property owner must agree to allow their habitat to be shown during the field day to receive an honorarium. The honorarium is $400 per person and expected to be invested back into the existing habitat. (Plants are expensive!) 

Examples of eligible habitats include, but are not limited to, pollinator friendly gardens with non-native, but non-invasive vegetation; native gardens; a managed forest with a Forest Cutting Plan and/or Forest Stewardship Plan; a forest managed for birds; a wetland replication or restoration; an established raingarden; a native grass lawn; a habitat in progress; etc. Ideally, established habitats should have food/forage for wildlife species, cover/nesting material for wildlife species, and a diverse array of vegetation throughout all seasons. Questions if your habitat qualifies? Reach out to Breeka Li Goodlander via email at bgoodlander@franklinma.gov or via phone at (508) 520-4847. 

This application is open between February 2, 2024 and closes February 29, 2024. Applications chosen to receive the honorarium will be determined by March 15, 2024. All applicants, regardless if chosen for the honorarium, will be contacted shortly thereafter with the third-party decision. By submitting this application, you agree to let the Conservation Agent/Natural Resource Protection Manager and/or a representative of the Friends of Franklin Conservation Group visit your habitat to confirm habitat qualification prior to a decision being made.

Should you wish to showcase your habitat to BEE Program participants regardless of an honorarium, please still fill out the form by clicking the below QR code or visiting bit.ly/BEEProgramExistingHab and answer the last question in the registration form.

Please note that even if your habitat is not yet established, we will still gladly consider your application for the honorarium. We realize that habitats take time to develop and our goal is not only to show BEE Program participants a variety of habitats in all different stages of development, but to gift the honorarium to someone that could use it to complete their own backyard habitat.

Don't Forget to Apply to Showcase Your Backyard Habitat by February 29!

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/news/dont-forget-apply-showcase-your-backyard-habitat-february-29