Franklin< MA: Town Council agenda for Nov 20 - tax rate hearing, CSX land purchase proposal, meeting calendar for 2025

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

November 20, 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. In compliance with G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 20 et seq, the Open Meeting Law, the Council cannot engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter. Nothing herein shall prevent the Town Administrator from correcting a misstatement of fact.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. October 30, 2024

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

5. APPOINTMENTS - None Scheduled

6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM

a. Franklin Tax Classification Hearing

i. Legislation for Action Item 9a

ii. Legislation for Action Item 9b

iii. Legislation for Action Item 9c

iv. Legislation for Action Item 9d

v. Legislation for Action Item 9e

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSIONS

a. Presentation: Franklin Elks Riders Donation to Veterans’ Services Department

i. Legislation for Action #9n

ii. Legislation for Action #9o

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 24-67: Tax Classification Residential Factor

(Motion to Approve Resolution 24-67 - Majority Vote)

b. Resolution 24-68: Tax Classification Open Space Exemption

(Motion to Approve Resolution 24-68 - Majority Vote)

c. Resolution 24-69: Tax Classification Small Business Exemption

(Motion to Approve Resolution 24-69 - Majority Vote)

d. Resolution 24-70: Tax Classification Residential Property Exemption

(Motion to Approve Resolution 24-70 - Majority Vote)

e. Resolution 24-71: Tax Classification Senior Means Tested Exemption

(Motion to Approve Resolution 24-71 - Majority Vote)

f. Resolution 24-72: Local Acceptance of G.L. Chapter 59, Section 5, Clause 22I (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-72 - Majority Vote)

g. Resolution 24-73: Local Acceptance of G.L. Chapter 59, Section 5, Clause 41C As Amended By Chapter 184, Section 51 Of The Acts of 2002

(Motion to Approve Resolution 24-73 - Majority Vote)

h. Resolution 24-74: Authorization of Purchase of Land from CSX for Rail Trail Extension and Appropriation of Funding (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-74 - ⅔ Majority Vote)

i. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-917: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185 Section 3 of the Code of the Town of Franklin - Definitions, Accessory Dwelling Units. (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-917 to the Planning Board)

j. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-918: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at Chapter 185 Attachment 8, Use Regulations Schedule Part CVII: Accessory Uses (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-918 to the Planning Board)

k. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-919: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185 Section 20 of the Code of the Town of Franklin - Signs (at C. 3.)

(Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-919 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)

l. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-920: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185 Section 20 of the Code of the Town of Franklin- Signs (at E.2.)

(Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-920 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)

m. Resolution 24-75 2025 Town Council Meeting Schedule

(Motion to Approve Resolution 24-75 - Majority Vote)

n. Resolution 24-76: Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Department ($2,000)

(Motion to Approve Resolution 24-76 - Majority Vote)

o. Resolution 24-77: Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Department ($2,125), Senior Center ($164)  (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-77 - Majority Vote)

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Capital Budget Subcommittee

b. Economic Development Subcommittee

c. Budget Subcommittee/Joint Budget Subcommittee

d. Master Plan Committee

e. Police Station Building Committee

f. GATRA Advisory Board

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCILOR COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION - None Scheduled

15. ADJOURN

Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

The agenda doc also contains remote participation info ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/tc_agenda_nov_20_2024.pdf

Franklin< MA: Town Council agenda for Nov 20 - tax rate hearing, CSX land purchase proposal, meeting calendar for 2025

Economic Development Subcmte reviews multiple bylaw adjustments & recommend referral to Town Council (audio)

FM #1316 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1316 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the Economic Development Subcommittee (EDC) held on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 in the Council Chambers. 

Three members of the subcommittee participated; 2 in Chambers (Hamblen, Sheridan), 1 remote (Frongillo). Chandler was absent.

Quick recap:

• Starting late awaiting quorum. Chandler absent, Frongillo participating remotely hence roll call for any votes at this session 

• Town administrator Jamie Hellen provides updates on affordable housing legislation becoming effective this year (recently passed) Retrofit of offline units most immediate turn for housing increase ...  Bond bill authorization money not available for awhile.

• Next agenda item, definition of accessory dwelling units. Amy Love and Gus Brown sit at the table to provide updates. 

• Currently we have by special permit, new state regulations call for 'by right' for residential zones First unit by right, second unit on same parcel would be by special permit (via ZBA for us) State will go through their regulation process to determine the final regs ... Likely next year, 

• We can at least move these changes through our process to go through Planning Board and Town Council possibly by Feb 2025. 

• Motion to move this set of recommendations to the Town Council, second, passes 3-0 via roll call. 

• Separately voted on definition and use table 

• On to sign, small change in commercial effectively along 140 where there is limited residential. 

• Looking for digital and electronic boards to be allowed (not currently) GlenPharmer for, but not present tonight. Would go to Council, then Planning Board & back to Council 

• Per Gus, these are not inexpensive so not going to get a rush on these. 2 amendments, one an exclusion that refers back to the full wording of the original. Off premise signs are not allowed anywhere in Franklin. 

• Will loop in the Design Review for their input on this. 

• Motion to move the zoning bylaws amendment sign changes to recommend to the Town Council, second, passes 3-0 via roll call 

• Second motion on changes also to refer to Council, passes 3-0 via roll call 

• Marketing & branding project with AJ Updates since last time

• Slides captured in album https://photos.app.goo.gl/ucVeRz3FmZMeSQPC6 

• Councilors discussion on variations in the slides around specific elements of the design 

• Colors were chosen to enable a safe standard replication across screen, digital and print

Motion to adjourn, passes 3-0 via roll call 

The recording of the meeting runs just over 1 hour.   Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1316-franklin-ma-economic-development-subcmte-mtg-11-13-24/

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Franklin TV video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnEIUW2vwrY 

Agenda doc  -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/november_13_2024_edc_agenda.pdf  

My notes in one PDF ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rycp5mTWEcFuRL5mbl5Ybuo6uC7dcd0N/view?usp=drive_link 

Additional info on the branding process can be found ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/economic-development-subcommittee/webforms/edc-branding-presentations 

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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

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

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"

Option A left, Option B right

Can you help this Wind Phone project with a donation? (audio)

Via Amy Adams: 

Project Healing with HeART Is underway. We are building a Wind Phone and need your HELP! 

Images provided are from a Wind Phone in Japan. They exist all over the world as a way to connect with a lost loved one allowing you to have a phone call that the wind may carry a message along for you.  

Wind Phone in Japan

The call is symbolic and can be used to process grief. Each phone will include an artistic element as well as a list of the nearest resources for support. This project requires a collaboration of these organizations as well as encourage community involvement. Loss is something that impacts us all, we should not shy away when we need the support or can be there for others.  

Please share, read more about this cause and how you can help. https://gofund.me/1f8d33b2

You can also listen to Amy and I talk about this project as one of many we cover in our discussion about art -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/11/talking-art-with-amy-adams-audio.html

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/1GrTR6W3rg/

Franklin TV - Franklin Public Radio: Take a Listen

Soooooo Much Music

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 11/16/2024

A long time ago in a land far away – called ‘My Past’ there was a revolution in digital music – the CD – a Compact Disk. Listening to music was a digitally perfect experience. The music that poured forth had a pristine clarity often lost in today’s streaming services through significant MP3 audio compression. 

Franklin Public Radio: Take a Listen

It’s not the same. Soooooo, when wfpr signed on, we opted to pull our music library together from the original CD’s and not downloads of MP3 files. It’s work, but it’s worth it. We’re in the midst of updating and expanding our library –

3000 new tunes – so far, and still going. Many CD’s to add to our music vault

Comedian George Carlin once did a take-off on Time-Life’s music compilations – “It’s our Ultimate Music Library, Now you can own Every Recording Ever Made – Take a 10-year sabbatical and listen to these fine recordings.”

Or – just tune in to wfpr.fm 102.9 – whenever you like. (Sooooooo many CD’s)

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   

Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

Harry's Collectable Show at The Franklin Elks! today, Nov 17

Harry's Collectable Show

 

Join us this Sunday for our November 17th Harry's Collectable Show at The Franklin Elks!  

It's the start of the Holiday shopping season and you can find something cool for everyone! Comic Books! Toys! Collectibles! Statues! Magazines! Posters! Video Games!  

Sports and Non Sports Cards! Trade Paperbacks! Hardcovers! Graphic Novels! And so much more!  

Mark your calendars and tell ALL your friends!

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/17SeSC1WLq/

What I am listening to? Adam Grant & Vivek Murthy's conversation is a worthy one (audio)

One of many "take-away" moments from the conversation between Adam Grant & Vivek Murthy: 

Vivek Murthy: "When we serve other people, we not only feel connected to them in the moment, but we actually remind ourselves that we have value to bring to the world. 

And that is something that we lose. When we struggle with chronic loneliness. We start to believe over time that we're lonely because we deserve it. 'cause we're not likable. We're not lovable. And that can be a downward spiral for people. 'cause the more you feel that, the harder it is to reach out. To other people and service can help break that cycle."

From the transcript -> https://www.ted.com/podcasts/www.ted.com/podcasts/overcoming-loneliness-transcript

The Spotify link is -> https://open.spotify.com/episode/7nddfDJTk8QPHLcAOwCA0s

If you listen via other apps, check this page ->  https://link.chtbl.com/hoLIpTh4

What I am listening to? Adam Grant & Vivek Murthy's conversation is a worthy one (audio)

Looking for where to get 67 Degrees beers to go? Aha, there are some options

Not just because I need to get a refresh on my 67 Degrees Brewery supply...  :-)

Looking for where to get 67 Degrees beers to go? 

Can’t make it to Wrentham? Check out one of these local spots for your 67 fix 👇🏾

🍻 Wholefoods (Dedham, MA)
🍻 Wholefoods (Wellesley, MA)
🍻 Shaws (Franklin, MA)
🍻 Village Mall Liquors (Franklin, MA)
🍻 Big Y (Franklin, MA)
🍻 Ernie’s Liquors (Bellingham, MA)

Happy hunting!

#metrowestma #franklinma #wrenthamma #macraftbeer #beerstagram

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DCT_wlwCUG3/

Maha Juice Bar | Order your favorite Maha Juice fruit smoothies, bowls, fresh squeezed juices and delicious eats!

Maha Juice Bar

Noticed that a "Maha Juice Bar" is working on the building where Rhapsody's was.

The sign says they are expected to open in Fall 2024.

Check out the menu ->    https://mahajuice.com/

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, November 16, 2024 ???

Saturday, November 16

7:00am Fiber Art Installation (Franklin Public Library)

9:00am Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church) 

9:00am Library Book Sale (Franklin Public Library)

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

10:30am DINOvember Party (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm Library Bag Sale (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm Diwali Celebration (Franklin Public Library)

2:00pm My Favorite Year (Dean College Main Stage Theater)

7:00pm StickMan Blue debut in concert (Franklin United Methodist Church)

7:30pm CANCELED David Francy (live music) (Circle of Friends Coffeehouse) 

7:30pm FPAC: Proof (HE BLACK BOX)

7:30pm My Favorite Year  (Dean College Main Stage Theater)

8:00pm Karaoke (Raillery Public House) 

** NO  Town Meetings today   **

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 Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendars

Mary C. Olsson - November 12, 2024

Mary C (Morrissey) Olsson passed away Tuesday, November 12 peacefully in her sleep surrounded by her family. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband Kai Olsson of 29 years, daughter Sophie and sons Francis and Toby.

Mary C. Olsson

She was raised in the family home in Franklin Ma where she attended St Mary’s Catholic School before leaving for college in Florida, and then spending time living in Atlanta Ga. She served many hospitality and coordination roles, most recently for the TJX corporation.

Always a lover of history, she spent her free time tracing family trees and researching Franklin’s history for the Historical Commission and the Cemetery Commission. She organized the speaker series, events and displays for the Franklin Museum, spending years as the Chair of the Historic Commission.

As the mother of 3 school age children at the time, she was a member of the Davis Thayer PCC, running school auctions to support the DT community. Seeing a need to be met, Mary founded “Harmony From The Heart,” an annual fundraiser which supported TTP research at UMass and Children’s Hospital. This research has resulted in life saving treatments.

Mary was a consummate collector; PEZ dispensers, tea pots, salt shakers for every occasion (or just because they were cute), and possibly most importantly to her, friends.

Making connections anywhere she went, Mary had friends in all parts of the world. Able to start a conversation with anyone, she made each person she met feel welcome. She would dive into their interests, connect them with others in her massive network with similar focuses. Beyond just connecting them, she loved to host her friends, porch parties, vacations, meals out, she delighted in playing the social conduit for us all.

This obituary is written by her three children, and there is no better example for how someone should live than our mom. She is a shining example of kindness, drive, and humility. She set us up for success and cared more deeply than anyone about our success, health and happiness. We will always miss her and never stop loving her.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her funeral Monday Nov. 18th at 9:00 AM from the Charles F. Oteri and Son Franklin Funeral Home 33 Cottage St. followed by a funeral Mass in St. Mary's Church, Franklin at 10:00 AM.

Burial will take place at a later date at St. Mary's Cemetery.

Calling hours are Sunday Nov. 17th from 2:00 - 5:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, we are asking for donations to help cover the costs associated with Mary’s end of life care and funeral services. This will allow the Olssons, and rest of family to grieve without the added burden of financial stress.

gofund.me/8183eb65

Guestbook www.oterifuneralhome.com

Update: The Historical Museum will be closed on Sunday, Nov 17 to honor Mary