"We had to go and essentially combine the lots"

From the Wicked Local/Franklin, article of interest for Franklin:

"Three months after stalling on a negative vote of the Planning Board, a brewery and taproom proposed for downtown is back on track.

Town planners on Monday approved a special permit for As Built Brewery, doing an about-face on the proponents’ plans to transform the former landscaping property at 40 Alpine Row into a site for brewing and serving locally-made craft beer.

While they still need to secure some other approvals, “it’s a move forward,” said a pleased Jay Mello, who co-owns As Built Brewery with his friends Erik Trowbridge and Nick Erickson.

The Planning Board initially declined the special permit when voting in October. Mello said it turned out that “unbeknownst to us, the property was actually two parcels instead of one.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://franklin.wickedlocal.com/news/20200107/franklin-planners-ok-downtown-brewery

The future location on Aline Row for As Built Brewery

Winter/Spring Kids' Corner Classes Start Next Week

February Vacation Painting Class

What a great way to spend an afternoon and have some creative fun! Students will paint and take home their own piece of art.

Thursday, February 20

Kids' Cooking Classes - Grades 1-3 & 6-8

Kids' Corner

Cut, chop, stir, and mix your way to a delicious dish. Students develop their skills: cutting, chopping, stirring, mixing, and teamwork! Each child works in partnership with another student to create a delicious dish. 

6 Wednesdays, starting January 15

Times vary by grade (Grades 4-5 Full) 

Drawing Explorations - Grades 2-5

Students will explore drawing from observation, from memory, and from imagination in order to create unique artwork each week with a variety of drawing materials. 

6 Thursdays, starting January 16

Kids' Beginner French, Spanish—Grades 3-6 

Lively songs and playful games in these one-hour classes will be used to teach useful everyday phrases. 6 weeks starting:

Tuesday, January 14, 4:30 pm—French

Wednesday, January 15, 6:00 pm—Spanish

www.FranklinLifelongLearning.com

Live reporting: TA report to Closing

11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT

go back to the goals, objectives

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

nothing at this time

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

Hamblen - happy new year

Pellegri - bottles of nips, Falmouth looking into a deposit, it is possible
thanks to Eamon and Brutus for representing the Town at the MMA
Rod Gun club breakfast Sunday
registration is automatic, it is not our problem, getting them out to vote is the problem
City of Boston city council position decided by 1 vote

Bissanti - chronic runaway dogs? what happens to the owner

Kelly -prayers for the Semergian family for their loss

Jones - FHS student got promoted to chief in sea cadet corp
we have many great youth in this community

Dellorco - condolences

Mercer - can we get word to FHS students on the plastic bag to come to meeting for when we vote it in?


14. EXECUTIVE SESSION
- None Scheduled

ADJOURN
motion to adjourn, seconded, passed 9-0

Note:

• Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
• Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

This was shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/january-8-town-council-agenda

The full agenda and documents released can be found in one PDF file
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/1-8-20_tc_full_agenda_final_final.pdf

Live reporting: License Transaction - Presentation

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - 7:10 PM a. Franklin Brewing Company, LLC d/b/a 67 Degrees, New Farmer Series Pouring Permit for a Farmer-Brewery, located at 158 Grove Street

bylaws changed to encourage breweries, wineries, and distilleries
this is the fourth before us for approval

open, family friendly and have a good pint
purpose of the pouring permit, get a permit, or a flight of 4 oz samples

motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0

skipped to complete the legislation for action
then came back here to do the goals
 

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
a. Town Council 2020-2021 Legislative Session Goals
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/8b._town_council_2020-2021_goals_memo.pdf


Jamie reads the listing section by section
*** Finances
loan package for water treatment plant approved

Beaver St interceptor analysis underway, will be back mid-year with results

contract year for trash/recycling
recycling industry in major transition mode, likely policy review for curbside recycling

OPEB discussion coming, liability has gone down

small amounts of new revenue coming during budget discussions

*** Economic development section
EDC doing some of the work already, more to be review

economic plan coming from MAPC

NuStyle project, new bold ideas coming to EDC

affordable housing plan, over due and needed
Franklin Crossing neighborhood district, an opportunity for discussion

commuter rail parking

marijuana overlap district needs to be reviewed for adjustments/corrections

MBTA downtown parking a low priority but on the listing

add Fisher St EPA site to listing
recycling center land swap?
it is in motion, nature of working with state agencies; easy to check off it it happens

current zoning bylaw review, 
well survey, demolition delay bylaw

Spur by MBTA add to SNETT improvements

monitor the mixed development and property changes

*** Facilities
possible new police station for a debt exclusion, need to discuss before we fund the study

burn building for fire dept, 'cheap' amount and would be good for crossing and training and morale

possible building committee for Police, not quite there yet but when closer, yes

*** DPW
longer range for sidewalk master plan; need to look at say, every 5 years
did a parking lot management plan

vehicle equipment process

*** Rec Open Space
Franklin greenway network, how to connect with sidewalks or bikeways, etc.
Concerts on the Common, possibly coming to Recl incorporate more on 

Prospect St tunnel, opening bid, Friday morning

adding affordable, accessible open space to EDC

lights at King St soccer field. was an issue with neighbors before

*** Community
fleet vehicles and maybe go electric

decommission old Spring st extension between 140 and Washington
State supports the road, instead provide access to trails

installation of 5G; protecting public property
implement electric aggregation, just not getting rates we should be getting

emergency plans for individual building/depts
review of Town's emergency plan (Fire Dept does this, already done...)

historical, architectural homes
a listing of the 1000 oldest homes provided by assessors a couple of years ago

anti bullying hate speech pledge for employees and elected official do?

*** Civic engagement
a new section, not done before

adding Board of Health items to e-permitting

*** Presentations/discussions
see listing for items and dates

affordable housing? a complicated issue, some of this is scheduled with some of the presentations but there will also be touch points in Master Plan and add something to Planning

could do outreach to Congressman Kennedy

Live reporting: Legislation for Action (updated)

9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS 
a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
meeting the 15th, 6:00 PM
capital plan, all departments including school in one meeting

b. Budget Subcommittee
not yet

c. Economic Development Subcommittee
met before this meeting
lot line changes coming
solar changes

coming to the meeting Jan 22, for referral to the Planning Board for hearings and then back to Town Council

next EDC meeting - Feb 5, 5:30 start time


10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION 
10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION Bylaw Amendment 20-847: New Chapter 130, Plastic Checkout Bag Prohibition - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 20-847: New Chapter 130, Plastic Checkout Bag Prohibition, to a Second Reading - Majority Vote) https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/10a._20-847_plastic_bag_web.pdf

due to the prior discussion, this is the redrafted proposal
added definition on biodegradable bag
has been approved by Attorney General in other communities, effective date July 1, 2020
with extension possible

adjustment to language, approved for next version
adjustment to add a fee, disallowed as local authorities do not have the ability to do so

motion to amend wording, seconded, passed 9-0

motion to move to second reading, seconded, passed 8-1 (Earls?)

had jumped to 10b to use time before the 7:10 scheduled start for the pouring license
when returning began with 10A then continued to 10C

10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION Bylaw Amendment 20-848: Chapter 147, Snow and Ice Removal - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 20-848: Chapter 147, Snow and Ice Removal, to a Second Reading - Majority Vote) https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/10b._snow_ice_web.pdf

return of snow removal to bylaw active status, had been changed in 2017 as 'unenforceable'
first violation, written warning, second a 450 fee, third a increase in fee to $200
more educational than revenue producing 
could be a 20% relief from DPW doing the sidewalks

question on definition of business vs residential

Question on notification to businesses, i.e Downtown Partnership
was this vetted by EDC? no, it should be before coming back to Town Council

feedback on not explicit enough, business areas highlighted but need to be more explicit about who does what where

people walking to the train station were the ones who had called to complain about the sidewalks

DPW primary change for actual for letter and enforcement before ticketing
other agencies are there for assistance in enforcement

withdrawn motion, seconded
motion to send draft to EDC for further review/discussion

skipped back to License for pouring 67 Degrees (then returned to pick up Legislation for Action)

10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION Bylaw 19-846: Chapter 153, Stormwater Management - Second Reading (Motion to Adopt Bylaw Amendment 19-846: Chapter 153, Stormwater Management - Majority Roll Call Vote) https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda-items/10c-legislation-action-20

establishes the stormwater bylaw

request to have ad-hoc committee review turned back

motion to approve, seconded, 9-0 via roll call


10d. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION Resolution 20-01: Gift Acceptance - Franklin Police Department, $2,675 (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-01 - Majority Vote)

motion to approve, seconded, 9-0

10e. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION Resolution 20-02: Gift Acceptance - Franklin Council on Aging, $1,500 (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-02 - Majority Vote)

motion to approve, seconded, 9-0

Live reporting: Town Council - Jan 8, 2020

Present: Chandler, Hamblen, Pellegri, Dellorco, Mercer, Jones, Kelly, Earls, Bissanti
Absent: none


1. ANNOUNCEMENTS

a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast Channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS

a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five 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.

Colin Cass, Longhill
microphone

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a. December 4, 2019  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/3a._12-4-19_web.pdf

motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0

b. December 11, 2019   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/3b._12-11-19_web.pdf

motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0

4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
- None Scheduled

5. APPOINTMENTS
- None Scheduled

6. HEARINGS
- None Scheduled

Franklin Issue on the 2020 'Watch List': Citizen Engagement

The four issues on the watch list recently posted really boil down to two general buckets of issues: 

1 - the Town budget - facing a possible override along with increases in both water/sewer rates and trash/recycling along with intro of another fee for stormwater (with PFAS as a 'sleeper' cost to be addressed)
2 - the multiple school district issues covered in the two posts; the school budget, Davis Thayer, and the 'paused' school start time issue

The third issue I'll raise is also one of the possible solution areas.

The Town Administration and School District can proceed working with the Town Council, School Committee, Finance Committee and other departments in the Franklin government on our behalf, as we elected them to do, or we, the residents and voters, can step away from Facebook, and truly get involved to do something.

As part of the Town Council goals and objectives, there are proposals for Civic Engagement efforts. 

Civic Engagement (NEW) 

● Research the potential for a “Citizen’s Academy” course for citizens
● Research the ICMA Citizen Satisfaction Survey through the National Citizen Survey and National Research Council
● Continue to update and reinvent the Town website, social media accounts, consider implementing a TOF podcast (Soundcloud/ Anchor) and develop consistent best practices organization-wide
● Expand E-Permitting and online payment options

Some of these are more 'service' related than 'engagement' related and hence while this is good, I do not think it goes far enough. I also understand, and fully respect, that the Town as a government entity can only do so much. We, as residents and voters, need to step up to make this "government of the people, by the people, for the people" work for us.

I also will not claim to have all the answers. I have learned and continue to learn more about Franklin and its government every day. How we can successfully reach the voters to get them to take action on their civic duties (i.e. vote for one, but that is only one duty) is an answer I am still looking for.

If you have ideas, I am open to listen. My contact info is available; reach out, let me know you want to talk, and I'll make time to do so.

In the Town Council goals and objective doc is a listing of key presentations scheduled or being scheduled for future Town Council meetings. If one or more of these topics interests you, put a mark on your calendar accordingly.

Presentations/Discussions (tentatively/confirmed scheduled dates) 

● Community Preservation Act - February 5 (scheduled)
● Housing Authority w/ Lisa Audette - February 12th (confirmed)
● Transitional Assistance - February 12th (confirmed)
● Economic Profile Study -- March/April (pending delivery of final report)
● MECC Regional Dispatch -- May 6th 2020 (confirmed)
● Department Presentations: Land Use & Permitting Departments -- June 2020
● Master Plan midway Update -- June/July 2020
● Charter Review Discussion - Late 2020

What can you do in the meantime? 

Action

• Get to a meeting, or watch via Comcast/Verizon, or the streaming feed via Franklin TV
• Talk with our Town Council, School Committee, Finance Committee, School Superintendent Sara Ahern, and Town Administrator Jamie Hellen
• Have a civil conversation about one or more of these issues; together we can, and must, find a solution that works for us

The full goals and objectives doc can be found on the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/8b._town_council_2020-2021_goals_memo.pdf

Franklin Issues on the 2020 'Watch List'

• School District Issues

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/01/franklin-issue-on-2020-watch-list_7.html

• Multiple Fiscal Challenges

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/01/franklin-issue-on-2020-watch-list_6.html

• School Start Time

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/01/franklin-issue-on-2020-watch-list.html

• New PFAS Regulations Proposed

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/01/franklin-issue-on-2020-watch-list-new.html

the future of Franklin remains with the Franklin voters who can become active or remain passive