Tuesday, September 3, 2024

Town Council gets a second chance to approve all alcohol license transfer between BJs & Pour Richard's (audio)

FM #1268  This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1268 in the series. 


This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council Meeting of Wednesday, June 26, 2024.  All 9 members were present in Council Chambers. We took an extract of the full meeting, separating the all alcohol license transfer between Pour Richard’s and BJs for this segment of audio.


The transaction in June was twofold; Pour Richard’s ownership is changing, they are transferring their all alcohol license to BJs. In return, BJs will transfer the beer & wine license they have to the new owners of Pour Richard’s.


Should have been a straightforward move, both parties had done the prior paperwork, both parties were in good standing, the Town departments, and ABCC had given prior approval; the formality of the transfer needed to be completed. 


As one BJs lawyers stated:

“I'll be as brief as I can. There are two main premises to licensing in Mass and the first is to serve the public need. That's basically the overall picture of location, and number of licenses, and in this case, this swap will definitely serve the public need because it's really not changing what's going on now other than moving the all alcohol portion slightly down the road to a different operator.


Now the second basic premise is for licensing to promote the common good and although I I find those confusing, I used to always think well what's the difference? Well the common good really focuses not on the town, and not on the town's landscape, but on the operator, and the specific location, and the specific way that the package store will operate. “


Later in the hearing, Town Administrator Jamie Hellen answered a question on a possible policy around not providing all alcohol to big box stores.


“Basically there's just nothing in town policy or code that I'm aware of, and I just conferred with the town attorney that could speak to that too, that does not,  I want to be respectful of Councilor Frongillo’s position if that's his priority as a voting member of the council that's a different matter, and it could be other members of the council as well or other members of the public, but we have no policy on the books that prohibits that.


Actually I believe that's actually a policy that might even be challengeable legally because now you're making a judgment on a license on determinations that are not grounds for denial of a license, and would be an automatic approval on an appeal.  So I just want to make sure the Public's clear about that there's a difference between an opinion, and what we have in terms of a bylaw, we do not have a bylaw, we do not have a policy that's official about this.“

 

The public hearing closed, and both steps of the transfer were denied by 6-3 votes via roll call (Mercer, Jones, Hamblen for; Cormier-Leger, Chandler, Pellegri, Dellorco, Frongillo & Sheridan against)


  • Both BJs and Pour Richards have appealed to the ABCC. Their respective hearings are scheduled for later in September
  • The Town when it filed the paper with ABCC noting the denial apparently did not fill out the reason for denial (likely because they did not challenge on either of the 2 legitimate grounds for denial)
  • Pour Richard’s had made a public appeal directly to the Council to reconsider righting the incorrect vote they had cast
  • In advance of the ABCC decision likely favoring both BJs and Pour Richard’s, the measure is back before the Council
We’ll see what happens Wednesday night


Let’s listen to the replay of the June 26 segment which runs for about an hour and 6 minutes.  Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1268-town-council-mtg-06-26-24-extract/



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The Franklin TV video of the June 26 session (5 hour 50 minutes) can be found ->   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JkF-BLT5Vns  Skip forward to about 1:05, just after the recognition of Comptroller Chris Sandini’s recognition, is when the BJs-Pour Richard’s segment starts. It runs to about 2:08.



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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"




Board of Health scheduled to meet on Wednesday, Sep 4 at 5:00 PM

BOARD OF HEALTH 
AGENDA
September 4, 2024 - 5:00 PM


(likely only virtual due to renovations at Municipal Bldg)


APPROVAL OF MINUTES
● June 2024

NEW BUSINESS
● Sunshine Lily Spa closure-hearing request
● Local upgrade request or 9 Julie Dawn Drive
● Fall health fair update
● Metacomet shared service grant regional inspector
● Metacomet shared service grant public health nurse report - August

CITIZENS COMMENTARY

ADJOURNMENT

Agenda doc lists only the remote participation info ->

Board of Health scheduled to meet on Wednesday, Sep 4 at 5:00 PM
Board of Health scheduled to meet on Wednesday, Sep 4 at 5:00 PM

Franklin Senior Center: Connection Newsletter for September 2024

Franklin Senior Center Connection

Newsletter September 2024

View the Franklin Senior Center's Monthly Newsletter: August 2024

Don't miss some of our September Highlights:

  • September 9th - September 13th - National Senior Center Month Spirit Week
  • September 11th - 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony
  • September 13th - Monthly Party: Broadway Theme (Formal Friday & Professional Photographer)
  • September 18th - Memory Cafe
  • September 19th - Candle Making with Emily
  • September 24th - Senator Rausch Town Hall Event
  • September 25th - Alan Ames Still Thinks He's Funny Comedy Show
  • September 26th - Pizza & Movie Night: Thelma
  • September 27th - Eat Around the World: India

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-senior-center/pages/franklin-senior-center-connection-2


Franklin Senior Center: Connection Newsletter for September 2024
Franklin Senior Center: Connection Newsletter for September 2024

Registration is open for our Spier Family 5K & Family Day; Y also looking volunteers to help with 5K event

(1) Registration is open for our Spier Family 5K & Family Day! Saturday, Sept. 14 at our Invensys Foxboro Branch 5K at 8am, Kids Fun Run at 9am, Family Day runs 8am-11am Register at: hockymca.org/5k-family-day

Registration is open for our Spier Family 5K & Family Day
Registration is open for our Spier Family 5K & Family Day


(2) We need your help! Reach out today to volunteer for our Spier Family 5K and Fun Day!  https://hockymca.volunteermatters.org/project-catalog/86


Y also looking volunteers to help with 5K event
Y also looking volunteers to help with 5K event

Get your tickets for the FHS Soccer boosters schedule fund raiser at La Cantina Thursday, Sep 5

"We have a limited number of tickets left for our event THIS THURSDAY!  
Join us for our TRIVIA NIGHT at LaCantina Winery!  
It will be a blast--and proceeds will benefit FHS Girls Soccer Boosters.  
Don't get shut out--reach out--and we will get you on the list and coordinate payment."

 

Get your tickets for the FHS Soccer boosters schedule fund raiser at La Cantina Thursday, Sep 5
Get your tickets for the FHS Soccer boosters schedule fund raiser at La Cantina Thursday, Sep 5

Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Tuesday, Sep 3, 2024

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

9:00 AM 12:00 Noon and 6:00 PM  Jazz Journey – with Pamela Hines
2 hours. An insightful tour of Jazz Greats in a golden era

11:00 AM 2 PM and 8:00 PM SAFE Radio– Jim Derick and Dr. Anne Bergen 
Addressing issues of Drug Abuse Disorder 

  • Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = TUESDAY

7:30 am     Joe Landry: The Hurricane of 1938
9:00 am     Mental Health: Elizabeth Hagy
10:00 am Frank Presents: Muriel Kramer
10:30 am Frank Presents: Tamisha Civil
11:00 am Frank Presents: John Deaton
12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin': Quinoa
12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Pesto Pasta
1:00 pm     Pizzapalooza: Game Day Pizza
1:30 pm     Fallen Heroes Pt 5
2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 8
3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 1
3:30 pm     Riffin' on Main Street: Katherine Kennedy
4:30 pm     Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage Pt1
5:30 pm     Sons & Daughters of Italy: Ciambotta
7:00 pm     Franklin Art Association: Vincent Crotty
8:30 pm Endless Konnections: Kanaya Ryland
9:30 pm     Shelley Otis: Harpist

  • Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel           (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = TUESDAY

7:00 am     Public School Concert: FHS Spring Jazz '22
9:00 am     Cultural Council: BT ALC Big Band
10:30 am Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage Pt1
11:30 am FHS Varsity Volleyball: v Lincoln-Sudbury 09-26-23
2:00 pm Mental Health: Elizabeth Hagy
3:00 pm FHS Girls Varsity Soccer: v Taunton 09-19-23
5:30 pm     All-Town Showcase 2024: Chorus and Orchestra
7:00 pm     FHS Boys Varsity Soccer: v Mansfield 10-04-23
9:00 pm FHSTC: Peter and the Starcatcher

  • Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) = TUESDAY

8:00 am School Committee 08-27-24
12:00 pm Master Plan Committee 08-21-24
2:00 pm School Committee 08-27-24
6:30 pm Master Plan Committee  CHAMBERS  824 0511 6369

    
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
Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

Monday, September 2, 2024

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Monday, September 2, 2024?

Monday, September 2 = Labor Day

4:00pm Cruise Night in Franklin (Sierra's Brick Oven Pizza)


**  NO Town Meetings today   **



What's happening today in Franklin?
What's happening today in Franklin? 

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Why are there multiple calendars?
Respectfully, the Library and Senior Center calendars are too full of events to include all their events so we tend to focus on the major events. Town and School meetings are also kept separate. Links for all the calendars are shared here:

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Library calendar of events ->    calendar link

The Senior Center calendar of events ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/upcoming


The disappearing Franklin Public Schools Music Department

Thanks to Jamie Barrett, local musician and teacher, for sharing these photos. A picture sometimes makes the case better than words.

The Franklin Public School Music Department 2 years ago

Music Department 2 years ago
Music Department 2 years ago: 2022-2023

The Franklin Public School Music Department last year

Music Department last year
Music Department this year: 2023-2024

The Franklin Public School Music Department this year

Music Department this year: 2024-2025
Music Department this year: 2024-2025

Town of Franklin: Government 101 (audio)

As school returns in earnest, we're going to the archives to bring forward a number of key items to share to help folks who are now newly engaged in the budget discussion to help understand the overall town government process.

This "Town of Franklin Government 101" event was held on Saturday, January 27, 2018.

The program featured
  • Dr. Robert Krim, Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Framingham State University
  • Franklin State Rep. Jeff Roy has previously held positions on the Franklin School Committee and Town Council
  • a conversation and question & answer period with Town Council representative Tom Mercer and School Committee member Denise Schultz, moderated by Steve Sherlock of Franklin Matters

The recording runs just about 2 hours. I did remove the portion when we took a break for coffee and refreshments. Without further ado, here is the recording link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-138-town-government-101/


Rep Jeff Roy making his presentation before the discussion/Q&A  with Tom Mercer and Denise Schultz tat I moderated
Rep Jeff Roy making his presentation before the discussion/Q&A
with Tom Mercer and Denise Schultz that I moderated


MA Attorney General: "If you're enjoying Labor Day Weekend, thank a union"

Andrea Joy Campbell (@MassAGO) posted Sun, Sep 01, 2024:


MA Attorney General: "If you're enjoying Labor Day Weekend, thank a union"
MA Attorney General: "If you're enjoying Labor Day Weekend, thank a union"



More about the origins of Labor Day -> https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Labor_Day

State Primary election set for Franklin High School from 6 AM to 8 PM, Tuesday, Sep 3

The election collection of information leading up to the Primary Tuesday, Sep 3 is located here ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/08/election-collection-2024.html

Sample or specimen ballots for Sep 3 can be found on the Town Clerk page ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerkelection-administrator/news/state-primary-9-3-2024-specimen-ballots

For any other election questions, check the Town Clerk's page ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerkelection-administrator

Early voting is complete, to vote appear at the High School between 6 AM and 8 PM, Sep 3
Early voting is complete, to vote appear at Franklin High School between 6 AM and 8 PM, Sep 3


The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW): Episode 271 Kate Arnold Wines (audio)

Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi explore all things wine with you! 

In this episode, we sit down with Jean Arnold, owner of Kate Arnold Wines to explore a rich tapestry of wine-related topics:

1. Winery Details and Information: Jean shares insights into the vineyards and winemaking process behind Kate Arnold Wines. From California's sunny vineyards to Oregon's lush landscapes and Washington's rich soils, each bottle tells a unique story.

2. Nutrition and Ingredient Labeling: We delve into the importance of transparency in wine labeling. Jean discusses his views on a trending wine world topic. Kim and Mark revisit wine additives for Jean's feedback.

3. Big vs. Small Wineries: Jean talks about corporate and artisanal wineries.  He provides a fascinating perspective on the advantages of each approach.

4. Real Oak vs. Fake: We explore oak barrels used to make wine.  Jean reveals how Kate Arnold Wines uses oak and how others use additives. Is this good or bad??

5. Climate Change: Jean discusses the challenges and adaptations faced by vineyards in the changing climate. 

6. Engaging Younger Wine Drinkers: Jean shares strategies for enticing younger generations to appreciate and enjoy wine.

7. Talking Pinot Noir: A deep dive into the elegant and complex world of Pinot Noir, including Kate Arnold's offerings from Oregon.

Remember, you can find Kate Arnold Wines at [katewines.com](https://www.katewines.com/)

Cheers!

Kim and Mark

#franklinma #thewonderfulworldofwine #wine #katearnold 



Frank Presents: Lola Richardson (video)

Frank Falvey sits down with Lola Richardson to talk about her music, her future studies at Berklee School of Music beginning this fall, and listens to a couple of flute performances.


Frank Presents: Lola Richardson (video)
Frank Presents: Lola Richardson (video)


Norfolk County Registry of Deeds wins lawsuit against the County Commissioners


August 30, 2024




Dear Registry of Deeds stakeholder,


____It is timely to update Registry stakeholders and taxpayers of the status of the second "Registry law suit". On June 28, 2024 Judge Cloutier of the Norfolk Superior Court ruled that the Norfolk County Commissioners and Norfolk County have violated a number of state laws. See the attached written decision William P. O'Donnell, vs. Joseph P. Shea, Peter H. Collins et al.


____The Norfolk Superior Court ruled favorably for the Registry of Deeds. The Norfolk County Commissioners and Norfolk County violated Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 64D sections 11 and 12 when they failed to provide the required budgetary funding to the Registry of Deeds and when they spent funds and removed funds from a designated Registry of Deeds account.


____Judge Cloutier found the County Commissioners' actions to be unlawful. As Register of Deeds I was left with no choice but to litigate and prosecute this case on my own without the benefit of independent legal counsel which the Defendants have had throughout the court process. The law suit was prosecuted to insure the "automation, modernization and operation of the registries of deeds" as noted in the state law.


____The Norfolk County Commissioners and Defendants filed a Motion to Reconsider despite Judge Cloutier pointing out in footnote #10 on page 11 that "…prior to 2020, the County's interpretation of the statutes was largely consistent with the court's interpretation." This Motion to Reconsider was denied in a court ruling dated August 23, 2024 and received by the Registry of Deeds on August 28, 2024.


Sincerely yours,

William P. O'Donnell

Norfolk County Register of Deeds



P.S. ._The above case should not be confused with the other Registry lawsuit against Norfolk County Director John J. Cronin and the Norfolk County Commissioners – Joseph Shea, Peter Collins and Richard Staiti. A different Norfolk Superior Court judge ruled that County Director Cronin and the Norfolk County Commissioners violated state law in this case. See the written decision in 2282 CV 01001 attached.

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds | 649 High Street | Dedham, MA 02026-1831 US


Constant Contact

Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Construction Update for the Week of September 3

Monday (9/2) - No Work HAPPY LABOR DAY!
Tuesday (9/3) - The construction crew will be working on Grove Street from Rt. 140 south towards the MBTA train tracks between the hours of 7 AM - 4 PM. Grove Street will be open to one way traffic only from RT. 140 towards Forge Hill Road. Please follow posted detour signs for directions.
Wednesday (9/4) - Friday (9/6) - The construction crew will be working on West Central St between Rt 140 and Forge Pkwy between the hours of 7 AM - 4 PM. West Central St will be closed in both directions. Please follow posted detour signs for directions.
At the Franklin Recreation Center, the construction of the new Beaver Street Interceptor Pump Station will continue with excavation to get the final grade depth for the pump station foundation.

Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Construction Update for the Week of September 3
Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Construction Update for the Week of September 3


Veterans Coffee Social scheduled for Weds, Sep 4 at 10 AM at the Franklin Senior Center

Veterans Coffee Social scheduled for Weds, Sep 4 at 10 AM at the Franklin Senior Center
Veterans Coffee Social scheduled for Weds, Sep 4

 

"Hi Everyone!  
Our next Veterans Coffee Social is next Wednesday, September 4, 2024, 10 AM at the Senior Center. 
All veterans are invited!  
Coffee and pastries are provided by our wonderful friends at Starbucks!