Thread by @FranklinMatters

Town Council about to start, agenda to follow along franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/… #tc1116

Chair Mercer opens the meeting and reads protocol statement on access via remote (info included in agenda doc shared earlier) #tc1116 Frongillo remote, Dellorco absent (at this time) so all votes will be via roll call

R Ciccone thanks Council et al for the sidewalks, a great safety step
N Danello speaks to the close of the election 14K, a 59% turnout, she thanks all those who helped to coordinate to bring it to success. Vault project now the next focus thanks to CPA funding for this #tc1116

C Cass thanks me for my 15 years of reporting in service to the community (Thank you!)
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Motion to approve minutes, moved, seconded, passes 8-0-1 (absent) via roll #tc1116

Recognize B Carloni who when off duty provided CPR to save the life of an individual #tc1116
2 minute recess for thanks, congrats and photos.

Resuming session. APPOINTMENTS
a.Library Board of Directors - Alison Wallace franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/… #tc1116 moved, second, passes 8-0-1 (absent) via roll

LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
a.La Cantina Winery Company, Farmer-Winery, Special License to allow sale of wine at 2022-2023 Franklin Winter Farmers’ Market located at 887 Lincoln Street franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/… moved, second, passes 8-0-1 (absent) via roll

Presentation: Recreation Department, Ryan Jette, Director of Recreation, W Simarrian, Chair of Recreation Advisory Board
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There are a few slides to share and they flipped through quickly as Ryan talked fast to minimize time, will create an album to share the photos of the presentation shared #tc1116
photos.app.goo.gl/FtcqGgZeu1fXtn…

Mostly kudos and positive comments for Ryan and the program. Q on potties in some of the playgrounds given use and popularity on the listing of things to do #tc1116 Looking at a kayak/canoe rental automatic kiosk for DelCarte and Beaver Pond for future

Policy currently youth orgs Franklin based are not charged, outside and for profit orgs are charged for field use. #tc1116 also a legal reason free use absolves the Town of liability

Next up, Davis Thayer future use discussion starts franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/…
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Memo outlines the next steps as proposed, what does the community want to do, a reuse committee (Council has ultimate decision) or a large citizen based committee to come up with a plan for Council decision; potential list of reuse what to prioritize? #tc1116

Do want to get architect looking at a shorter list of feasible options to run through the pros/cons, etc. The asset value of the building (and land!) Need to maximize the value, 3.48 acres, appraised and quotes in the packet. #tc1116 the land maybe more than the building ...

Given its location as an entry point for the Town, prior assessment based upon school use, going to other more commercial uses would likely change the valuation #tc1116

A tour will be arranged but clean up of some of the interior items is required first. #tc1116 Cormier-Ledger Q's on the maintenance costs, Chandler expressing frustration with the condition left by the schools

Hamblen in favor of the citizen advisory committee as well. Liking to get revenue from it, pop up shop, kitchen etc. #tc1116 schedule open house when college kids are home. Easy to overlook the historical aspects of the approach to the Town

Pellegri no commitment to allow a purchase by Dean, to sell it, no, police station no, suggestion to put on Facebook and have folks take a desk or two. Request to keep at least 2 Councilors on committee, use first level for cultural space, upper floors for affordable veteran ...

Housing. It would be good to do something before 2024 which would be the 100 anniversary
The double doors opened to the fire escapes that were condemned and removed #tc1116 consideration for site of police station, too many times need to give directions to current

Consensus on citizen committee as way to go, put out for volunteers for what the committee would do #tc1116

Resolution 22-71: Further Amending the Senior Citizen Property Tax Work-off Abatement Program (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-71 - Majority Vote) franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/… #tc1116 moved, second, passes 8-0-1 via roll call

Resolution 22-72: Further Amending the Veterans’ Property Tax Work-off Abatement Program (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-72 - Majority Vote) franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/… moved, second, passes 8-0-1 via roll call

Resolution 22-73: General Funds Appropriation, Transfers and Adjustments FY23 (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-73 - Majority Vote) franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/… motion to waive reading, 7-1-1 (Cormier-Ledger no) moved, second, passes 8-0-1 #tc1116

Resolution 22-74: Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Dept. ($1,550) (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-74 - Majority Vote) franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/… moved, second, passes 8-0-1 via roll call #tc1116

Resolution 22-75: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44, §53F3/4 (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-75 - Majority Vote) franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/… motion waive reading, passes via roll 8-0-1, moved, second, passes 8-0-1 via roll #tc1116

Engineering study will do a quiet zone study, takes about a year, took a year to find someone, open space and recreation kick off process is starting, interested follow Conservation Commission for details and plan updates #tc1116 anticipated to complete Sep 2023

Thanks to veteran service officer Shannon and the Elks for a wonderful veterans day celebration last week
EDC did meet earlier on lot line clean up, also started discussion on Franklin for All zoning changes, next session Nov 30 #tc1116

Things starting to come together for GATRA
Future items; round of nothing at this time
Comments: fire had 3 calls during the recognition tonight, congrats to Town Clerk for election; newcomers meeting last week, Art Assoc gallery opening new show last week #tc1116

Happy Thanksgiving to all; ditto to what was said about the vandalism downtown; thanks to Nancy for the election and her staff. #tc1116 ditto to the thanks all around, downtown decorations Sat at 9 AM also first winter Farmers market; turkey trot; office hours at the Senior Ctr

Monthly meeting for Dean community neighborhood assoc, jan-may, not in Dec. Work being done on the new Franklin food pantry; call out to Franklin Residents with questions for Dean, hear and find out what is going on there #tc1116 happy Thanksgiving to all

Executive session to enter and not to return to open meeting
Motion, second, passes 8-0-1 via roll call #tc1116

That's all for tonight, catch you next time!
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