Thread by @FranklinMatters

Town Council meeting The full agenda doc also contains remote participation info ->
franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/… #tc1214

Meeting called to order a few mins past 7, Chair Mercer reads protocol statement on remote participation, etc. Also available via live stream and cable (Comcast/Verizon) #tc1214
Citizen comments, none in Chambers, none in Zoom land.

Approval of mins for Nov 2, second passes via voice vote 9-0. Motion to approve mins for Nov 16, second, passes also 9-0 #tc1214

Appointment of Conservation Commission Mark LePage, motion to approve, second, passes 9-0 #tc1214
Alison Rheaume - Disability Commission, motion to approve, second, passes 9-0
Francesca Ricci - Disability Commission, motion to approve, second, passes 9-0

Lloyd (Gus) Brown - Sealer of Weights and Measures, motion to approve, second, passes 9-0
#tc1214 state leaving weights business and in transition to local control, working on a regional process with Norfolk County. Gas pump measures fail in favor of the owner (surprise!)

Side note, over 100 scanners, over 400 scales. Lots of work to do #tc1214

2023 Annual Alcohol License Renewals - See attached 2023 Town of Franklin Alcohol Licenses Renewals franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/… motion to approve, second, passes, 9-0 packets will include reminder on food service to meet compliance with the license

Franklin Library Association Presentation of Gift - Scott Nolan, President, FLA - formed to facilitate the Franklin books, have been serving many years, they have funded over $500K over the years and are now out of funds which is why they are closing the org down #tc1214

They have done much, two centuries of work; the collection, the building, and the donations over the years #tc1214 Councilor Pellegri reads proclamation, Library Director Felicia Oti accepts on behalf of the Franklin Library Association

Resolution 22-86: Gift Acceptance - Franklin Public Library ($70,000)
(Motion to Approve Resolution 22-86 - Majority Vote) franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/… #tc1214 motion to approve, second, passes 9-0

Snow Removal Presentation: Robert “Brutus” Cantoreggi, Director of Public Works
franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/… #tc1214

It helps to stay off the roads when there is a snow storm, let the crews do their work please! #tc1214 don't use sand to avoid storm water issues, yes, the salt use is also creating a problem with water quality. Whole town to treat cost $34k, 5 truck route costs $12k

About 35 trucks for internal support, adds another 60-80 trucks of hired equipment, costs about $100k for contractors on a good storm. #tc1214 even contactors can't get drivers

So what did the DPW do to address these issues? #tc1214

Multiple factors to storm planning and plowing, also driving the response #tc1214 "there is no competition on which plow driver gets the most mailboxes"

The top complaints #tc1214

Discussion on priority of roads vs sidewalks, at some point we may need to adjust to enhance the walk ability but we're in a car centric environment now. #tc1214

Pellegri pushing point on getting some salt in an accessible place for residents to get access. Perhaps we can get back to the bylaw on sidewalk shoveling. #tc1214

Cormier-Ledger asking if on a weekend the shift of public buildings might be considered. (Who has tried to get to clearing snow after it has hardened? How easy is it?) #tc1214 Route 140 is the responsibility of the State; Lewis to Norfolk; Beaver St to i495, downtown is us

Resolution 22-87: Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Department ($565) (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-87 - Majority Vote) franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/… #tc1214 motion to approve, second, passes 9-0

Bylaw Amendment 22-888: Chapter 170, Vehicles And Traffic, Section 170-22, Subsection A, Location of Stop Signs - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 22-888 to a second reading - Majority Roll Call Vote) franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/… #tc1214 motion to move to 2nd reading ..

Second, passes 9-0
Resolution 22-88: Local Acceptance of MGL Ch40, Section 5B, Fourth Paragraph (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-88 - Majority Vote) franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/… #tc1214 motion to approve second passes 9-0

Resolution 22-89: Creation of the Massachusetts Statewide Opioid Settlement Stabilization Fund, as Authorized b GL Chapter 40, Section 5B (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-89 - Two-Thirds Majority Vote) franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/… #tc1214 motion to approve second passes 9-0

Resolution 22-90: Authorization of and Appropriation for Purchase of Three Parcels of Unimproved Land (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-90 - Majority Vote) franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/… #tc1214 motion to approve, second, passes 9-0 (200 acres of open space in last 18 months!)

Resolution 22-91: Authorization for Town Administrator to Submit American Rescue Plan Act Applications to Norfolk County (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-91 - Majority Vote) franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/… #tc1214 motion to approve second passes 9-0

Resolution 22-92: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44, §53F3/4 (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-92 - Majority Vote) franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/… motion to approve second passes 8-1 ? Pellegri? (I think)

Resolution 22-95: Gift Acceptance - Recreation Department ($109,832.25) (Motion to Approve
Resolution 22-95 - Majority Vote) motion to approve, second, passes 9-0

TA report, party of the year at the Senior Center Thursday 12/15 from 4:30 to 7 PM
#tc1214 thanks to all, thanks for working together, this has been a great year. Announcement of Alecia Alleyne moving on to a new role in the new year.

Reports: EDC plus met to review chapter 40r, informative, next meeting Jan 4 on zoning bylaws etc
Future agenda items: shoveling sidewalks - already on EDC agenda
Pellegri wants sidewalk shoveling too, would rather have council get to it, but it's coming to EDC first

Cormier-Ledger had talked with a scout to do their project by reporting on a council meeting, happy holidays! Wishing all happy holidays and new year, looking forward to doing more next year, 2023 #tc1214 office hours at Senior Ctr 8:30am thanks for all the donations...

Remind folks to be kind, happy new year. #tc1214 thanks to the Council for all their hard work.
Motion to enter executive session and will return to open meeting, second, passes 9-0 via roll call

Motion to return to open meeting, via roll call passes 9-0
#tc1214

Resolution 22-94: Salary Schedule: Full-Time Elected Official - Town Clerk (Motion to Approve
Resolution 22-94 - Majority Roll Call Vote) moved, second passes via roll call 9-0

Legislation for action:
1. Resolution 22-93: Approval of Town Administrator’s Contract (Motion to Approve
Resolution 22-93 Majority Vote) moved, second, passes 9-0

Motion to adjourn, second, passes 9-0

That's all for tonight catch you next time

@threadreaderapp unroll