Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for Feb 26 meeting

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

February 26, 2025 - 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. February 5, 2025   https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4490/3a-1---February-5-2025-TC-Meeting-Minutes--Draft-for-Reviewdocx---Google-Docs

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS - None Scheduled

5. APPOINTMENTS - None Scheduled

6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM - None Scheduled

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS  - None Scheduled

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION - None Scheduled

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Bylaw Amendment 25-924: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Fees, Municipal Service - Second Reading

(Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 25-924 - Majority Roll Call Vote)

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/4471/9a-25-924-Ch-82-Municipal-Service-Fees---Comstar-New-Rates

b. Resolution 25-05: Free Cash To Stabilization Accounts Transfers

(Motion to Approve Resolution 25-05 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4492/9b-25-05-Free-Cash-Stabilization-Transfers

c. Bylaw Amendment 25-925: Amendment to Sewer System Map (Raymond St.) - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 25-925 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4501/9c-25-925-and-25-926---Raymond-St-Sewer-Extension

d. Bylaw Amendment 25-926: Amendment to Water System Map (Raymond St.) - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 25-926 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4502/9d---BYLAW-AMENDMENT-25-926---Water-System-Map---Raymond-St

e. Resolution 25-11: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44 §53F3/4 (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-11 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4478/9e-24-11---PEG-Comcast-and-Verizon

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

a. Exemption: To review and approve minutes from Town Council Executive Sessions

b. Exemption #3: Collective Bargaining (all Municipal unions) - To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the public body and the chair so declares.

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/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02262025-1602

Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for Feb 26 meeting

Economic Development to review proposed shared kitchens bylaw, "Crossing Neighborhood" on the agenda

Economic Development Subcommittee 

Agenda & Meeting Packet 

February 26, 2025 5:45 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building Council Chambers, 2nd Floor 355 East Central Street 

Agenda: 

1. Shared Kitchens Bylaw 

a. DPCD Memorandum 

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4480/1a-DPCD-Memo---Shared-Use-Commercial-Kitchen

b. Bylaw Proposals 

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4479/1b-25-9X1---185-3-Definitions---Shared-Use-Commercial-Kitchen

2. Renaming Commercial-1 Zoning District (Union Street/Cottage Street area only) to “The Crossing Neighborhood District” 

a. DPCD Memorandum  

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4493/2a---DPCD-Memo---Crossing-Neighborhood-Zoning-District---02202025

b. Bylaw Proposals  

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4494/2b-Bylaw-Proposals

The agenda doc also contains remote participation info ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02262025-1600

Economic Development to review proposed shared kitchens bylaw, "Crossing Neighborhood" on the agenda

Watch, Listen, Read: Joint Budget Subcommittee Listening Session #3 at Franklin Senior Center - 02/19/25

This combines the video, audio, and transcript for the 3rd of the 6 listenting sessions in advance of the possible override decision/discussion for the FY 2026 budget.

This is the third of 6 listening sessions scheduled through March 12, 2025 in advance of a decision on an override (yes, or no), when? and for what amount. The decision discussion is committed to be on the agenda for the March 19 Town Council meeting.

** Watch

video link ->  https://www.youtube.com/live/HWM25y_m2Bk?&t=552 

** Listen

audio link ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1387-joint-budget-listening-session-3-02-19-25/

** Read

Transcript prepared by Otter.ai and edited for speaker name accuracy. As the audio time stamp is also included you can synch the transcript to either the video or audio to catch the full spoken word.

PDF ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1E47i3-VB8czSpbt_Ovx8o5omlcmzwQiB/view?usp=drive_link

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

The agenda doc ->  https://franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02122025-1560

The agenda packet includes:

a. Town Administrator FY26 Budget Update #4 Memorandum - https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4201/Town-Administrator-FY26-Budget-Update-4-Memorandum- 

b. Updated FY26 Budget Model (1/30/25)  - https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4191/02b-FY26-Budget-Control-Sheet---Control-Summary 

c. Estimated Override Matrix  - https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4190/02c-Override-Tax-Rate-Impact-Calculationxlsx---Sheet1 

d. Board of Assessors Request Letter  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4189/02d-Board-of-Assessors-Support-for-Administrative-Assistant

3rd of 6 Joint Budget Listening Sessions held, more questions & answers

Playoff seeds for the FHS girls & boys hockey and basketball teams

Via the MIAA, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the Playoff seedings for the Franklin High School girls & boys hockey & basketball teams.

Hockey = Girls = Division 1

#29 Franklin (7-10-1) will travel to #4 North Andover (14-2-5) on Wednesday, 2/26 at 6:00 at Veterans Memorial Rink, Haverhill.

Hockey = Boys = Division 1

#26 Franklin (10-10-2) will travel to #7 Arlington (15-5-2) on Tuesday, 2/25 at 5:10 at Ed Burns Arena.

For additional Hockomock Hockey seeds

https://hockomocksports.com/hockomock-hockey-playoff-seeds-matchups-2025/

For the MIAA complete D1 brackets

Girls - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1a8oa1GemoKRf7MxsksJ4RiNFj94ugd30/view?usp=drive_link

Boys - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1344qQB-62QrPOmGk5UeRJpSvKFASFRYj/view?usp=drive_link

Basketball = Girls = Division 1

#9 Franklin (15-6) will host #24 Taunton (10-10) on Thursday, 2/27 at 5:00.

Basketball = Boys = Division 1

#1 Franklin (22-1) will host the winner of #32 Shrewsbury (12-8)/#33 Acton-Boxborough (12-8) on Thursday, 2/27 at 7:00.

For additional Hockomock basketball seeds

https://hockomocksports.com/hockomock-basketball-playoff-seeds-matchups-2025/

For the MIAA complete D1 brackets

Girls - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OyNTbDEk6a1HpkV0NSIIhxHPRUZ1iFUN/view?usp=drive_link

Boys - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1anfiICmFcLqqeAmiO5KuTlYkEAigrvSI/view?usp=drive_link

For the MIAA Tournament Central -> 

https://www.miaa.net/tournaments/tournament-central/tournament-brackets

Playoff seeds for the FHS girls & boys hockey and basketball teams

Franklin TV: Running the Numbers

The Prospective MA Streaming Media Bills

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 02/23/2025

There is pending Massachusetts legislation to help alleviate the rising financial losses that we as PEG studios are experiencing from cable cord-cutting. It would assess streaming media revenues with an ‘access’ fee to at least cover any existing shortfall from our '3-year max' historic revenue. (Per lines 73 to 94 of HD326) Our 3yr max during 2016-18 was 25% higher than today, and yes, we're still dropping. The annual rate setting language is IMHO troubling to me. There is no perfect language to cover all the arguments to be made regarding fair fees.

However, setting the streamer rate to match the cable access rate seems a logical place to start.

Example:

In 2012 we took in $600K for OpEx. (Operating Expenses) In 2017 it was $750K for OpEx. A 25% increase.

Now we're back to 2012 revenues – less than $600K OpEx and dropping. If we work with historical inflation numbers from 2012 to today, our 40% inflation adjusted income from 2012 to todayshould be $840K plus.

Note that there is also no provision for CapEx (Capital Expense) contributions from streamers for equipment upkeep. Cable's combined CapEx&OpEx for many of us is actually somewhere between 5.5% to 6%, all in.

Running the Numbers: (Assumption, 5% Stream assessment)

There are about 7 million MA residents and there are 33K residents in Franklin. That sets Franklin’s population at about 0.0047 of the statewide population.

Persons per Household (HH) 2019-2023: 2.45

MA Households, 2019-2023: 2,800,000

HH with internet 2019-2023: 91.8%

MA HH adjusted for Internet: 2,576,000

What do streaming services cost?

Netflix 8 with ads, or 18 up to 25 for premium Hulu 10/ads to 19

Prime 9 (streaming only)

Apple+ 10

Max         10/ads 17 21 prem

Disney+ 10/ads 16

Paramount+ 8/ads 13

Peacock 8/ads 14

ESPN 12

 

Key Takeaways:

21% of households pay for 2 streaming services.

24% of households (HH) pay for at least 3 additional streaming services. 25% spend more than $75 per month on streaming subscriptions.

10% have "no idea" how much they spend.

41% of respondents admit to using a family member's or friend's login to avoid paying for a service.

With 3 to 4 services the average HH spend is $45 to $50/mo.

The Projection:

2,576,000 HH x $45/mo x 12mo = $1,381,020,000/Yr.

$1,381,020,000 x 5% = $69,552,000 to MA PEG studios.

$69,552,000 x 0.0047 = $326,894.40 to Franklin.TV

If we combine this with $575,000.00 (our current OpEx) Our cable/stream total: $901,894.40

This total would also provide some embedded CapEx contribution. (Note: There is no factoring here for Gamers, (Twitch, etc.) or for CapEx.)

This also yields a simple rule-of-thumb:

Cable revenues at 5% are about $19 dollars per citizen/year.

Streaming fees of 5% = $10 dollars per citizen/year in an average community.

A 5% access assessment on streaming services is both equitable and affordable. Note that more viewers are also turning to our own streaming service to watch our school sports, civic events and government meetings – for free – in HDTV, which the cable company standard TV channels do not offer.

Pete Fasciano, Franklin.TV

And – as always –

Thank you for watching.

Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm. 

And staying informed at Franklin●news.

 

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

SAFE Coalition statement on Opioid Settlement funds

SAFE is thankful to Mike Beaudet and WCVB for highlighting the opioid abatement fund expenditure concerns in a recent news segment. 

SAFE Coalition has worked with over a dozen communities in Massachusetts to advise, coordinate, and deliver community services related to opioid abatement funds. “Families and individuals who have been impacted by the opioid epidemic deserve these funds to go to support and recovery,” says SAFE CEO and co-founder Jen Levine. “We want to help make that process as quick and seamless as possible.”

Founded in 2015, SAFE is the only nonprofit in southeast Massachusetts offering wraparound, zero-cost substance use and mental health services to individuals and families. We have close, first-hand knowledge of the opioid crisis’s impact today and the complex landscape of municipal abatement funds. 

Opioid Settlement funds

Opioid fund expenditure plans are incredibly specific, seeking impact through seven key strategies including supporting people in treatment and recovery, building greater connections to care, offering harm reduction (like Narcan, fentanyl test strips, and safe syringe programs), supporting parents and families, and preventing misuse through prevention education. 

SAFE has a team dedicated to understanding this expenditure strategy and working with municipalities to get it right the first time. “We can appreciate how this unique funding source can create gaps in municipal knowledge related to spending,” Levine says. “Our hope is to bridge that knowledge gap so funds can be allocated according to set timelines and expectations.” 

Families and individuals have been impacted by the opioid epidemic for over 20 years. “By utilizing these funds, we honor all those who have struggled or are currently struggling and encourage people to get care before crisis” says Levine. 

SAFE works directly with communities to deliver targeted services based on their highest needs. SAFE's services are designed to support individuals at every stage of their recovery journey, from individual and family support groups to youth education initiatives, peer-led programs, mediation, and counseling services. 

We also provide practical resources such as diaper and car seat banks, medication take-back events, Narcan training, trauma-centered yoga, and CPR instruction – all designed to address the broader social and environmental determinants of substance misuse and mental health. 

Through a trauma-informed, culturally responsive approach, we ensure that individuals in the community can readily access the critical services they need to improve their overall health, safety, and well-being.

Editorial note: One would think that after some of the reporting errors around the ARPA funds, that the major news organizations would have learned that there is time between when the funds are announced, when they are actually available, and when they can be spent. Municipalities can not spend money they don't have. 

In Franklin's case, which I know from my years of experience reporting on, the Town was recently released funds, and notified of the funding flow for the next 10 years. The Town presented to the Finance Committee and then to the Town Council. The readily available funds are authorized for spending. The future authorizations extend out 10 years. Those funds are not in hand, and not yet authorized. So for the news organization to claim such inaction in spending is false and irresponsible.

Finance Committee meeting at which the funding allocation was recommended for approval (recap, audio & video links) ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/01/finance-committee-approves-recommended_0799398139.html

The Town Council meeting at which the funding allocation was approved  

(recap, audio & video links) -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/01/finance-committee-approves-recommended_0799398139.html

The first authorization of opiod settlements funding occured in the June 26, 2024 meeting reported on here -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/06/in-marathon-session-town-council-cuts.html

MyFM Media 101.3 Announces Chris Caraballo as New Operations Manager

MyFM Media is proud to announce the appointment of Chris Caraballo as its new Operations Manager, effective immediately. Caraballo brings a fresh, dynamic perspective to the role, aligning with the company’s mission to become the news, entertainment, and cultural hub for the communities it serves.

“Chris understands and embraces MyFM Media’s mission of delivering the most local content across our airwaves, website, and social media platforms,” said Tom McAuliffe, President/CEO of MyFM Media 101.3. “As the broadcasting landscape continues to evolve, engagement with listeners and the community has never been more important. Chris’s forward-thinking approach will help us remain at the forefront of this change.”

Caraballo, who joined MyFM Media after graduating from Dean College, with a background in sports broadcasting, social media management, and radio programming, is committed to enhancing MyFM’s content strategy, fostering stronger connections with local audiences, and integrating new technologies into the station’s operations. Under his leadership, listeners can expect to see more live interviews with local newsmakers, a refreshed music library, and expanded on-demand content.

Chris Caraballo

“With platforms like Instagram and TikTok delivering short form news and entertainment segments listening habits have changed dramatically over the past five years. If you're not willing to adapt, you risk being left behind. Chris understands this shift and is already demonstrating his ability to keep pace with the changing landscape through his quick, focused approach to the new MyFM in the Morning show, which kicks off every day at 5AM.”

In addition to his on-air contributions, Caraballo will oversee the development of a state-of-the-art podcast studio at MyFM Media, which will be available to the public. This new facility reflects the company’s commitment to serving as a cutting-edge hub for local content and community engagement.

“I’m excited to be part of MyFM Media’s future,” said Chris Caraballo. “This station is uniquely positioned to create deeper connections with our audience, and I look forward to helping MyFM build on its strong foundation by embracing new technologies and enhancing the local experience for our listeners right here in the heart of it all.”

---

About MyFM Media

MyFM Media 101.3 is a leading local radio station based in Milford, Massachusetts, committed to providing the most up-to-date, relevant news, entertainment, and cultural content for the surrounding communities. With a focus on engaging programming across multiple platforms – including radio, web, social media, and digital technologies – MyFM strives to be the go-to source for local listeners. Whether through live broadcasts, podcasts, or community partnerships, MyFM Media continues to build a stronger connection between listeners, fans and followers and the local communities around them.

St Mary's reopening weekend confirmed for Saturday, Mar 1 & Sunday, Mar 2, 2025

St Mary's reopening confirmed for Mar 1 & Mar 2

We have GREAT NEWS!

We WILL be using our primary worship space upstairs starting NEXT WEEKEND! (March 1 and March 2)

On Saturday, March 1st, at the 4 PM Mass, Boston Archbishop Richard Henning will celebrate the reopening and consecrating of our beautiful church.

A reception will follow immediately after the Mass in the Sacred Heart Hall.

We are anticipating that Live Stream access will begin again at this Mass.

Please keep praying for our parish and our restoration project as some tasks remain to be completed. But, nothing will prevent us from using our church again.

We thank you for your patience with this project. Your prayers and patience contributed to this success.

#StMaryStrong

#stmarys02038

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/1KsY7hWbjC/

Town of Franklin: The DPW is looking to hire a Heavy Motor Equipment Operator

DPW, Town of Franklin is looking to hire:

Heavy Motor Equipment Operator

POSITION: Heavy Motor Equipment Operator (HMEO) 

HOURS: Monday-Friday 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (Summer Hours: 6:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.)

SALARY: $24.78 - $30.49 per hour (plus union contract incentives) 

POSTED: February 6, 2025

Priority Deadline: February 28, 2025 

See full description -> https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/449/Heavy-Motor-Equipment-Operator---Department-of-Public-Works-PDF

Shared from ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/jobs.aspx?jobID=10

Town of Franklin: The DPW is looking to hire a Heavy Motor Equipment Operator

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Sunday, February 23, 2025

Franklin Public Radio has a brand new schedule for the locally produced shows that fill our air waves. Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fm.

wfpr.fm schedule for Sunday, February 23, 2025

It ia available anywhere, anytime at wfpr.fm or in the local Franklin, MA area at 102.9 on the FM dial.

Tune in to listen to the following:

Time/Day	Sunday
7:00 AM	Jazz Journey 1 - Hines
8:00 AM	Jazz Journey 2 - Hines
9:00 AM	Music
10:00 AM	Tabernacle Choir
11:00 AM	Music 2 Lift Spirit - Falvey
12:00 Noon	Jazz Journey 1 - Hines
1:00 PM	Jazz Journey 2 - Hines
2:00 PM	Music 2 Lift Spirit - Falvey
3:00 PM	Blues - Derick/Remissong
4:00 PM	Blues - Derick/Remissong
5:00 PM	Jazz
6:00 PM	Jazz
7:00 PM	Jazz
8:00 PM	Turntable - Vibe/PaulyG
9:00 PM	Turntable - Vibe/PaulyG
10:00 PM	Music

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf 

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, February 22, 2025 ???

Saturday, February 22

9:00am Fallen Heroes: James P. Murray (Franklin Town Common)

9:00am Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

9:30am Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) (Franklin Public Library)

10:00am Winter Farmers Market (Fairmount Fruit Farm) 

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

10:00am Amy Adam's "This Love" exhibit  Franklin Historical Museum

10:30am Winter Beach Party (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm Teen Murder Mystery Party (Franklin Public Library)

2:00pm Breath of Stars (ticketed event) (Dean College Main Stage Theater)

2:00pm Metro-West String Quartet  (Franklin Public Library)

7:00pm Breath of Stars (ticketed event) (Dean College Main Stage Theater)

7:30pm The Franklin Underground (live music) (Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub)

8:00pm Karaoke Night (Raillery Public House)

** NO Town Meetings today   **

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

Why are there multiple calendars?

What's happening today in Franklin? 

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/calendar.aspx?CID=37&showPastEvents=false

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

Fallen Hero Recognition: James P Murray - Feb 22, 2025 - 9 AM

Memorial event today (2/22/25) at 9 AM on the Veterans Walkway at the Town Common to honor James P Murray.

This program will include the placing of a Memorial Wreath for the day, the playing of Taps, a salute from those present, and a reading of whatever history may be available for that veteran. This is a way of keeping the memory of that veteran alive.

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James P Murray, Oiler, US Navy - World War I

The only record we have of James P Murray is that he died from disease while serving in the Navy on February 22, 1918.

Fallen Hero Recognition: James P Murray - Feb 22, 2025 - 9 AM

For the full published series of Fallen Heroes you can visit this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-fallen-heroes-series.html

Photo album of the Fallen Hero pillars along the Veterans Walkway

https://photos.app.goo.gl/oRGdmq9krLNEBnjJ7

You can find all the videos for 2024 in one playlist -> 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fo3eJGInVXU&list=PLbAODFjFPJ0zOqXRuHZ5-_LPf6UwmBNSA