Town of Franklin: Market Study

The Market Study is on the listing of Presentations scheduled for the Town Council meeting on July 22, 2020. Link to the full agenda can be found below. 

From the MAPC Market Analysis 
for the Town of Franklin:

"The Town of Franklin, its community partners, and the Metropolitan Area Planning Council, through research, outreach, and analysis, have worked to create the following Market Study. Within this study, the input of residents, businesses, and students and staff from Dean College were incorporated. The three focus areas of the study were Downtown Franklin, the Mixed Business Innovation District, and the Crossing, as well as the Franklin Cultural District. 

Research included demographic, housing, transportation, and business data, with consumer spending habits, and market potential, and expenditures incorporated within the study. Additionally, the Town of Franklin Market Study held multiple community engagement sessions, with a town-wide open house, a Business Roundtable, a Dean College Roundtable consisting of students and staff, and a town-wide survey, in addition to the Cultural District Roundtable already mentioned. Furthermore, a town Economic Development Survey was provided, with over 700 responses. 

Through research, interviews, and public outreach, a list of eleven recommendations were created in ranked order. These recommendations build upon the strengths of Franklin’s history, its arts and culture community, its active boards and committees, its inspiring college, and its distinctive neighborhood businesses. A full breakdown these recommendations can be found at the end of the study.

...
Based on results from the market study, along with input from the community (through the Open House, Business Roundtable, Arts & Culture Roundtable, Dean College Roundtable and Economic Development Survey), a set of recommended goals, strategies and actions were developed. Recommended goals, strategies and actions focus on marketing Franklin’s existing and potential future amenities to attract more business activity; concentrating development in the existing economic corridors of Franklin Center, The Crossing, and the Mixed Business Innovation District; and growing industry sectors identified in the market study as holding the potential for growth."

Read the full report on the Town of Franklin page or the copy below
https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/town-franklin-market-study

Agenda and documents released for the Town Council meeting July 22, 2020
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/july-22-town-council-meeting

Town of Franklin: Market Study

Zooming into the Future, Part 2: Something, Best Laid Plans, Something, Something.

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 07/19/2020

Last week I mentioned that Zoom connectivity is being installed for government meetings in Town Chambers as a permanent capability. Beyond just watching, citizens who can’t travel or are unable to attend in person will be able to participate and interact with the proceedings. A new good thing.

Technologist Paul Saffo once quipped, “Never deny a clear vision its long journey”. We know what we want. Getting there? Quite another matter. But, get we must.

Live! On Wednesday July 22nd– It’s our first Zoom meeting from Town Chambers.
So much for fanfare. Now we have to make it happen.

This past Wednesday we began our installation. The plan was solid. The outcome; not so much. Some of our newly installed digital widgets, adapters, gewgaws and the like were not cooperating. Note: There are at least a hundred-ish digital media devices stuffed into a TV control room. All must do their part to make our meetings happen. The new ones weren’t getting on well with the old ones, even after a stern lecture. On Thursday, more of the same. We pressed on. On Friday; worse still. After a 3-hour power failure, most of them had stopped working entirely. Disaster.

After several hours of digital resuscitation, we managed to get enough of our systems working to be back in operation. After 3 days of digital frustration we also managed to get our Zoom systems to work. Some refinements are planned, but Zoom connectivity is working, So far, so good. Come Wednesday – fingers crossed.

And – as always –
Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm. And, thank you for watching.


Note that we at Franklin TV are holding our own Zoom remote open annual meeting on August 3rd at 7 PM. All are welcome to participate and learn about Franklin●TV and Franklin Public Radio, wfpr●fm.

For the full program guide  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf
or the Franklin Matters copy (effectively the same thing)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YLdtVKDhcEOj2OfRJUporkqDbSqycPaf/view?usp=sharing

Zooming into the Future, Part 2: Something, Best Laid Plans, Something, Something. 

FM #315 FHS Class of 2020 Graduation Shout Outs (audio)

FM #315 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 315 in the series.

This session shares the FHS Class of 2020 Graduation Shout Outs collected as the graduates and family members arrived to record their walk across the stage in June. Some of these shout outs were used in the broadcast of the parade. This recording makes all of the shout outs available.

The statement runs just about 30 minutes, so let’s listen to FHS Class of 2020 Shout Outs.  Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HZyFFgtK




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

FHS Graduation - Class of 2020 - https://youtu.be/TWHQVJgffQk
FHS Parade - https://youtu.be/A891JM1TwGU

These three programs freely available for Video On Demand

We have recently completed the final release versions of programs for the FHS 2020 Graduation. They will be shown on our cable channels for several weeks according to our weekly schedule. These TV Program files are also available for downloading in high-definition at these links.

• Senior Awards = http://tbf.me/a/BwXVZ5 (4 GB)
• Car Parade = http://tbf.me/a/BVmlpJ (5 GB)
• Graduation = http://tbf.me/a/CFR8yf (12 GB)

Just enter these links into your browser and download/save the files to your computer. These are lengthy TV programs, and downloading may take some time, depending on your internet speed. These programs will remain available for free downloading until July 23rd.


--------------
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/
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!
------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

FM #315 FHS Class of 2020 Graduation Shout Outs

MAEA Newsletter features article on the FHS Empty Bowls

Brenna M. Johnson (@johnsonb_ms) tweeted at 3:04 PM on Sat, Jul 18, 2020:

"Need something to read??? There's a great article on the FHS Empty Bowls Club in MAEA's recent publication co-written by recent grad Drew Conrad! @FHS_EmptyBowls @FHSPantherbook @FranklinMatters @FranklinFoodPan @FranklinPSart @FranklinHS #artedmatters #arted #MassArtEd"

(https://twitter.com/johnsonb_ms/status/1284564691788996608?s=03)

Need something to read??? There’s a great article on the FHS Empty Bowls Club in MAEA’s recent publication co-written by recent grad Drew Conrad! @FHS_EmptyBowls @FHSPantherbook @FranklinMatters @FranklinFoodPan @FranklinPSart @FranklinHS #artedmatters #arted #MassArtEd https://t.co/7DBVXzZvPi

— Brenna M. Johnson (@johnsonb_ms) July 18, 2020

The MAEA newsletter
https://massarted.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/NewsletterSummer2020v2.pdf

or here

To vote by mail in 2020, the application is available at the Town Clerk's page

From CommonWealth Magazine we share an article of interest for Franklin

"SECRETARY OF STATE William Galvin has started mailing out applications for absentee ballots to all registered voters in Massachusetts, and all the applications should be sent out by Tuesday.

If that happens, voting rights groups say they will dismiss a lawsuit they filed earlier this week accusing Galvin of ignoring a state-mandated deadline for sending out the applications.

If the mailings are sent out, “We have no reason to doubt that we would be willing to voluntarily dismiss,” said Oren Sellstrom, an attorney for Lawyers for Civil Rights, which represents the voting rights groups, at a hearing before Supreme Judicial Court Justice Frank Gaziano on Friday.

A new state law allowing mail-in voting during the pandemic required Galvin to send out applications for mail-in ballots to every registered voter by July 15, in advance of the September 1 state primary election."

Continue reading the article online
https://commonwealthmagazine.org/courts/mail-in-ballot-applications-on-their-way-to-voters/

You do not need to wait for the application in the mail. A copy is on the Town Clerk's page
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/2020-vote-by-mail-application_-_primary.pdf

Additional info on the 2020 Elections can be found on the Town Clerk's page
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/news/2020-election-information

As we get into August, we'll start the "Election Collection" to gather all the 4th Congressional District candidate info, the Sep 1 primary info and the Nov 3 election info.

"‘Superspreading’ events, triggered by people who may not even know they are infected, propel coronavirus pandemic"

From The Washington Post, an article of interest for Franklin:

"It wasn’t until Day 7 of her team’s coronavirus investigation when it dawned on Linda Vail, the health officer for Michigan’s Ingham County, that this was going to be a big one. It had started with just two infections at the college bar on June 18, not long after the state began reopening. But the numbers quickly jumped to 12, then 18, then 34. 

As of Friday, she was staring at a spreadsheet with 187 infected at Harper’s Restaurant and Brew Pub. 

“The tables were six feet apart, but no one stayed there,” she said. “The DJ was playing music so people were shouting, the dance floor started to get crowded. We had flattened the curve and then boom.” 

The East Lansing case is what’s known as a superspreading event — possibly the largest so far in the United States among the general public. Many scientists say such infection bursts — probably sparked by a single, highly infectious individual who may show no signs of illness and unwittingly share an enclosed space with many others — are driving the pandemic. They worry these cases, rather than routine transmission between one infected person and, say, two or three close contacts, are propelling case counts out of control."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2020/07/18/coronavirus-superspreading-events-drive-pandemic/?hpid=hp_hp-banner-main_virussuperspreader-235pm%3Ahomepage%2Fstory-ans

"‘Superspreading’ events, triggered by people who may not even know they are infected, propel coronavirus pandemic"

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - July 22, 2020

The public will NOT be permitted to enter the building or participate in person. Only pre-approved participants on the meeting agenda will be allowed to enter the Building and participate in person. Residents can attend and participate via the “ZOOM” Platform.

A NOTE TO RESIDENTS: Due to the continued concerns regarding the COVID-19 virus and Governor Baker’s declared State of Emergency, we will be conducting a remote/virtual Town Council Meeting for all public access and participation. In an effort to ensure citizen engagement and comply with open meeting law regulations, citizens will be able to dial into the meeting using the provided phone number (Cell phone or Landline Required) OR citizens can participate by clicking on the attached link (Phone, Computer, or Tablet required). The attached link and phone number will be active for the duration of the meeting for citizens to ask questions/voice concerns.

If residents are just interested in watching the meeting it will also be live-streamed by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast Channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29.

Link to access meeting:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86025870247
Call-In Phone Number: Call 1-929-205-6099 and enter Meeting ID # 860 2587 0247 --Then press #

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS
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

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.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

• a. May 6, 2020
• b. May 20, 2020
• c. June 3, 2020
• d. June 17, 2020

4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
- None Scheduled

5. APPOINTMENTS
a. Board & Committee Appointments

• i. Agricultural Commission: Charles J. (CJ) Koshivas
• ii. Conservation Commission: Patrick Gallagher
• iii. Cultural Council: Joni Magee
• iv. Cultural Council: Pushpa Jangareddi

6. HEARINGS
- None Scheduled

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
- None Scheduled

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
a. Town of Franklin Market Study & Economic Profile
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/8a._town_of_franklin_market_study_and_economic_profile.pdf

b. PACE Program Presentation: MassDevelopment
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/8b._pace_program_presentation_-_massdevelopment.pdf

9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

• a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
• b. Budget Subcommittee
• c. Economic Development Subcommittee

10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-42: Authorization to Participate in the Massachusetts Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy Program (PACE Massachusetts) (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-42- Majority Roll Call Vote)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10a._resolution_20-42_pace_massachusetts.pdf

10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-43: Gift Acceptance - Franklin Police Department, $250 (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-43 - Majority Roll Call Vote)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10b._resolution_20-43_gift_acceptance_police_department.pdf

10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-44: Gift Acceptance - Franklin Historical Museum (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-44 - Majority Roll Call Vote)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10c._resolution_20-44_gift_acceptance_historical_museum.pdf

10d. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-45: Easement - Overhead System (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-45 - Two Thirds Majority Roll Call Vote)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10d._resoltuion_20-45_easement_-_overhead_system.pdf

10e. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-46: Easement - Underground Electrical Distribution System (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-46 - Two Thirds Majority Roll Call Vote)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10e._resolution_20-46_easement_-_underground_electrical_system.pdf

10f. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-47: Solid Waste Prior Year Bill (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-47 - Two Thirds Majority Roll Call Vote)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10f._resolution_20-47_prior_year_solid_waste_bill.pdf

10g. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-858: Zoning Map Changes on or Near Beaver and Oak Streets - Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-853 to the Planning Board - Majority Roll Call Vote)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10g._zoning_bylaw_amendment_20-858_beaver_and_oak_streets.pdf

10h. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Bylaw Amendment 20-855: Chapter 82, Water Fee Increase - Second Reading (Motion to adopt Bylaw Amendment 20-855 - Majority Roll Call Vote)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10h._bylaw_amendment_20-855_water_fee_increase.pdf

11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT
COVID-19 Update

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

ADJOURN

Note:

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

The full agenda doc (162 pages) can be found here
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/07-22-2020_town_council_meeting_agenda.pdf

This was shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/july-22-town-council-meeting

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - July 22, 2020