Town Council
Regular MeetingFranklin, MA · July 23, 2025
Minutes
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FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES OF MEETING
July 23, 2025
A meeting of the Town Council was held on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at the Municipal Building, 2nd Floor,
Council Chambers, 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA. Councilors present: Brian Chandler, Theodore
Cormier-Leger, Robert Dellorco, Cobi Frongillo, Melanie Hamblen, Glenn Jones, Thomas Mercer, Deborah
Pellegri, Patrick Sheridan. Councilors absent: None. Administrative personnel in attendance: Jamie Hellen,
Town Administrator; Amy Frigulietti, Deputy Town Administrator; Mark Cerel, Town Attorney.
CALL TO ORDER:►Chair Mercer called the meeting toorder at 6:00 PM. Chair Mercer called for a
moment of silence. All recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR:►Chair Mercer reviewedthe following as posted on the
agenda. A Note to Residents: All citizens are welcome to attend public meetings in person. To view the live
meeting remotely, citizens are encouraged to watch the live stream on the Franklin Town Hall TV YouTube
channel or the live broadcast on Comcast channel 9 and Verizon channel 29. Meetings are also archived by
Franklin TV on the Franklin Town Hall TV YouTube channel and shown on repeat on Comcast channel 9
and Verizon channel 29 for those who miss the live meeting. To listen to the meeting remotely, citizens may
call-in using the provided number. This will not permit participation in the meeting. To participate in the
meeting remotely, citizens are able to join a Zoom webinar using the information provided on the agenda.
Any participants who wish to speak during the webinar must enter their full name and email address when
joining the webinar. All participants will be automatically muted upon joining the webinar. In order to speak,
participants who have entered full name and email address will need to select the “raise hand” function to
request to be unmuted. All speakers will be required to state their full name and street address before
commenting. ►Chair Mercer announced upcoming events. Franklin’s 250th Anniversary Celebration
Committee has officially launched. Community members interested in applying for a seat on the committee
can apply on the Town’s website. ►Councilor Frongillo entered the meeting. ►Chair Mercer announced the
Franklin Farmers Market is taking place on Friday, July 25 on the Town Common; the event runs every
Friday through October from 2 PM to 6 PM. Concerts on the Common will take place Friday, July 25 on the
Town Common with two performances: 3 PM to 5 PM and 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM. The 2025 Arts and Culture
Symposium will be held on September 18 & 19 at The Black Box. For more information, please visit the
Town’s website. ►Town Clerk Nancy Danello said she wanted to notify the Town Council and residents of
Franklin of the upcoming biennial town election on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at the Franklin High School
from 6 AM to 8 PM. She reviewed the seats available. If interested in running for any available positions,
nomination papers will be available in the Town Clerk’s office beginning on August 4 by appointment only.
She noted criteria to run for an elected position in Franklin. She said to contact her office with any questions.
She noted important dates: August 4 – nomination papers available by appointment at the Town Clerk’s
office; September 15 by 4 PM – signed nomination papers must be submitted to Town Clerk’s office for
certification; September 22 by 4 PM – last day to withdraw candidacy; October 25 – last day to register to
vote. She noted she will be hosting early voting with dates and times forthcoming. She will be updating the
citizens at Town Council meetings, on the website, the Observer, and with Mr. Sherlock. ►Chair Mercer
thanked Councilor Hamblen and Councilor Dellorco who were both on vacation and drove here to attend
tonight’s meeting in person.
CITIZEN COMMENTS:►Mr. Bob Kaufman, 4 Cohasset Way,discussed a donation made by John
Schmidt for $2,600(actually $26,000)to cover thesalary for one year for Health & Wellness Nurse Trish
Collatos. He said he believes the decision to accept that is going to be made next month. He said he wants the
opportunity to give his view on the situation. He said it has become very political, and he is trying to take a
non-political view. He said he is on the Council on Aging. He said he looks at is as what is best for the
elderly at the Senior Center. He said they have had the luxury of having Ms. Collatos in for two days per
week, and she is able to help those who come to the Senior Center. He said she goes far beyond her job
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description. He said they also have the benefit of having the Health Department Nurse in the building. He
reviewed the work that the RN does. He explained the schedule of who was working on what days. He asked
the Town Council to keep this in mind. He said there has been a letter from the Council on Aging. He said
was the dissenting vote of 6-1. He said Mr. Steve Sherlock will be interviewing him on the on the radio. He
said he cannot address the letter in three minutes. ►Ms. Emily Ambrose said she was a teacher at Remington
Middle School soon to be Franklin Middle School. She has a question about the timing and three separate
topics. She said next month she will tell them about how awesome Ryan Jette and the Parks and Recreation
Department are. The priority tonight is the school resource officers and her request to continue the expansion
or goal around communication and engagement in Franklin. She said she wanted to provide examples of how
the failed override will impact the schools and discussed the impact of SROs being cut. She said she hopes
the Town Council would support that if the funds were to come back. ►Mr. David Doherty, 147 Dean
Avenue, said he has been teaching in Franklin since 1999 and this is the first September that he will not be
returning. He said he is speaking to the same point as Ms. Ambrose. He said if this money is someplace, get
the resource officers back. He explained the benefits of seeing a police officer there. ►Ms. Karen Miller, 246
Washington Street, said everything is focused on money. She said the population in Franklin has been
stagnate according to the annual report. She said prices have changed, but everything is about that there is no
money. She said the pupil population has decreased, population in the town is stagnate, we have new
buildings and new revenue outside of residential. She would like an understanding of the stagnate population,
decrease in pupils, closing of multiple schools, and why that is always the message from the Town Council
that we need more money. She would like to understand this better.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:►June 4, 2025 & June 18, 2025.►MOTIONtoApprovethe June 4, 2025
meeting minutes byDellorco.SECONDbyJones. No discussion.►VOTE: Yes-9, No-0, Absent-0.
►MOTIONtoApprovethe June 18, 2025meeting minutesbyDellorco.SECONDbyJones. No
discussion.►VOTE: Yes-9, No-0, Absent-0.
PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: ►Fire Department - SwearingIn of New
Firefighter/Paramedic: Jeffrey Wolcott.►Fire ChiefJames McLaughlin introduced the newest member of
the fire department, Firefighter/Paramedic Jeffrey Wolcott. He said tonight’s appointment brings the staff to
59 firefighters once he leaves. He said this is the staffing level approved by the Town Council on June 4 for
the amended FY26 budget. He provided Mr. Wolcott’s background, career, and education. ►Town Clerk
Nancy Danello performed the swearing in. ►Mr. Wolcott’s wife performed the badge pinning.
APPOINTMENTS: ►Annual Reappointments and New Appointmentsof Boards and Committees
Members (See “Committee Appointments” in packet for member names). ►Councilor Jones read the
appointments. ►MOTIONto ratify the annual appointmentsto the listed boards and committees with terms
to expire as listed on the document title “Committee Appointments July 23, 2025” provided in the meeting
packet byJones.SECONDbyDellorco.Discussion:►Mr.Hellen said this is pretty straightforward, just
the three new members on the Finance Committee, and there are some other seats, about 10 remain, that will
be on the August agenda. ►Councilor Chandler said everything does revolve around the money; he asked
the new appointees on the Finance Committee to please ask a lot of questions as it makes our life so much
easier, and it gets the budget meetings going quickly. He said he appreciates all the hard work on that. He
said there must have been some great applicants as he knows one woman did not make the cut, and she has
impeccable credentials. He is excited for the Finance Committee coming up. ►Councilor Jones thanked
everyone for volunteering their time for these positions. He said seeing the new and old names is great. He
noted Peter Padula. He said he is looking forward to reading the remaining list that Mr. Hellen mentioned.
►Councilor Dellorco noted Chris Feeley does not live a 5 Taft Drive anymore. ►Mr. Feeley who was in the
audience noted his new address at Tuscany Drive. ►Councilor Dellorco said he got the same phone call
from the woman regarding not being interviewed/selected for the Finance Committee.►VOTE: Yes-9,
No-0, Absent-0.
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PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM: ►a. New Section 12 Restaurant All Alcoholic Beverages License and
Approval of Xiao Xia Zhang as the Manager - Kojo Asian Fusion LLC d/b/a Kojo, Located at 28 East
Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038 (License Transaction # 7a).►Chair Mercer declared the public
hearing open.►Attorney Christopher Coleman on behalfof the applicant said the applicant is in attendance
and goes by Nicole. He said the restaurant is in the same location as the former Hang Tai restaurant. He said
the location has 3,337 sq. ft. with 72 seats proposed. A floor plan has been provided. The cuisine will be
Asian fusion which he reviewed. The information is also in the meeting packet. He said the proposed hours
are Monday through Thursday, 11:30 AM to 9:30 PM, Friday to Saturday, 11:30 AM to 10:30 PM, and
Sunday 12:00 noon to 9:30 PM. He discussed the proposed manager’s experience. He noted all have or will
be TIPS trained. He said they will have a few televisions and possible background music as entertainment.
He said they are planning on end of September/beginning of October to open if this is approved.►Mr.
Hellen said they will hold the license until all inspections are done. He said both liquor licenses tonight will
be held until final inspections are done. ►Mr. Maxwell Morrongiello, 127 Central Park Terrace, said he is
grateful to see the downtown space utilized. He noted the alcoholic permitting process and said it is about
public health and public safety. He asked if the parking lot behind this allows for overnight parking. ►Mr.
Hellen said it is a private lot. ►Mr. Morrongiello reviewed that people having a little bit too much cannot
drive home, and there is the risk of being towed if parking out front. He asked if someone gets into that
situation what do they do. ►Mr. Hellen said it has nothing to do with the license. The person can call a
friend, Uber, Lyft. ►Mr. Morrongiello said the car will get towed. ►Chair Mercer said send a friend for it.
►Mr. Hellen suggested contacting police in that rare circumstance. ►Mr. Morrongiello asked what steps the
applicant will do if someone does have too much to drink. ►Mr. Coleman said they would be calling the
police if there was a problem. ►Councilor Jones said this is a great addition to helping with economic
development in the downtown and thanked the applicant. He asked about the best dishes. He noted the
applicant’s experience and the TIPS training required.►Councilor Cormier-Leger said welcome. He said he
was excited about the renovations. He asked about encouraging or serving the college students. He wished
the applicant good luck.►Mr. Coleman said they wouldhave strict ID checking. ►Chair Mercer said this
will be good. ►Chair Mercer declared the public hearing closed.
LICENSE TRANSACTIONS:►New Section 12 Restaurant AllAlcoholic Beverages License and
Approval of Xiao Xia Zhang as the Manager - Kojo Asian Fusion LLC d/b/a Kojo, Located at 28 East
Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038.►Councilor Jonesread the license transaction. ►MOTIONto
Approvethe request by Kojo Asian Fusion LLC, d/b/aKojo, for a New Section 12 Restaurant All Alcoholic
Beverages License and to approve Xiao Xia Zhang as the license manager byJones. SECONDbyDellorco.
No discussion. ►VOTE: Yes-9, No-0, Absent-0.
PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM(continued): ►b. LicenseModification - Change of Location of a
Section 15 Wine and Malt Beverages Package Store License: The Little Shop of Olive Oils Inc. d/b/a The
Little Shop of Olive Oils, Located at 5 Main St., Franklin, MA 02038 (License Transaction # 7b).►Chair
Mercer declared the public hearing open.►Person whodid not identify themselves said they were moving
50 ft. from unit number 5 to the Main Street unit number 9 for a little more exposure and bigger space.
►Chair Mercer declared the public hearing closed.
LICENSE TRANSACTIONS(continued):►License Modification- Change of Location of a Section 15
Wine and Malt Beverages Package Store License: The Little Shop of Olive Oils Inc. d/b/a The Little Shop
of Olive Oils, Located at 5 Main St., Franklin, MA 02038.►Councilor Jones read the license transaction.
►MOTIONtoApprovethe request by The Little Shopof Olive Oils Inc. d/b/a The Little Shop of Olive
Oils for a Change of Location to 9 Main Street, Franklin, MA 02038 byJones. SECONDbyDellorco.No
discussion. ►VOTE: Yes-9, No-0, Absent-0.
PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION:None.
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LEGISLATION FOR ACTION:
Note:Two-Thirds Vote requires six votes; MajorityVote requires majority of members present and voting.
a. Resolution 25-27: FY26 Community Preservation Appropriation of Funds – Capital (Motion to
Approve Resolution 25-27 - Majority Vote).►CouncilorJones read the resolution.►MOTIONto
ApproveResolution 25-27: FY26 Community PreservationAppropriation of Funds – Capital by
Dellorco.SECONDbyHamblen.Discussion: ►Mr. Hellenreviewed his memo to the Town Council
dated July 18, 2025, provided in the meeting packet. The Town Council will be considering an
application for $100,245 from the Franklin United Methodist Church from CPA funds for historic
preservation renovations to the church. Representatives from the Church will make a presentation. The
CPC approved the project after a long presentation and discussion. He would encourage residents and the
Town Council to watch the CPA meeting at the 16:34 mark for additional background. The Church has
provided a plan for the funds. The CPC voted unanimously to endorse the project expenditure. We have
also provided the historic certification data they have collected to deem the building a place of historical
significance. He discussed the expenditure request as discussed in his memo of July 18, 2025. He wrote:
The decision before the Council this evening has details that are important and have potential legal
consequences if not properly discussed. This request is subjective, on a case-by-case basis, due to a
Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court decision from 2018 relative to Community Preservation Act funds
being expended on places of worship. The case involved a historic place of worship in the Town of
Acton. A copy of the court case is provided in the packet. You may also read a condensed case analysis
on the Community Preservation Coalition website. His memo continued to state the court case centers
around using a “three factor” litmus test, which is outlined in the case, which is based on a case in 1981
involving the Commonwealth v School Committee of the City of Springfield, which is a defining case on
the anti-aid amendment. These types of litmus tests are common in cases involving the complicated web
of legal and constitutional issues around religion, places of worship, free speech, obscenity and many
other areas that affect constitutional rights when juxtaposed against other constitutional rights (EG - the
separation of church and state and freedom of religion). If approved, the Town Council needs to be aware
that ten taxpayers who may object to this expenditure are authorized by statute to being susceptible to a
lawsuit, similar to the one in Acton. Also, if approved, the Town and the church are required to enter into
a Preservation Agreement, similar to the one we just completed with Habitat for Humanity, for
permanent preservation of the exterior renovations. Suffice to say, the application before the Town
Council tonight is a subjective judgment call. Staff also ardently believe in due process, including the
church. This is a very important debate for the community and legislative body to decide. He explained
the value of due process regarding this item. He said this litmus test is a community wide decision and
there is a process in place for that. He explained that the amount cannot be increase; however, it can be
decreased. He said the applicant will provide the same presentation that they did at the Community
Preservation Committee. ►Ms. Tricia Prewitt, 17 Sunset Road, said she was here on behalf of the
Franklin United Methodist Church with an updated application for the Community Preservation Act
(CPA) funds of $100,245.00 for the preservation and restoration of the historic building located at 82
West Central Street, Franklin, located next door to the Franklin Historical Museum. She said they
presented their original application to the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) in 2024 and since
that time have done additional historical research and revisions to ensure compliance with the rules
governing the Community Preservation funds under the historic preservation category. She noted they
have had several meetings with town administration and town counsel present. She said they appeared
before the CPC with a revised CPA funding application. After much discussion the application received a
unanimous vote to move forward. She noted Mr. Alan Earls, Chair of the Historical Commission, offered
his support of the application in a letter which was provided to the Town Council. She thanked many for
their help with learning more about the architecture and history of the location. She explained that based
on their research and the community preservation coalition rubric, they can answer the questions which
she outlined with yes. She said the CPA may be appropriated for this project. ►Pastor Jacob Juncker, 39
Union Street, talked about the exterior and reviewed some of the information provided in the meeting
packet. He said they are looking to restore and preserve the historic United Methodist Church (UMC) in
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Franklin. He talked about the historic legacy. He said UMC is a place where the entire community can
come to meet and share with neighbors. He said historic institutions in the town have a historic role to
play in not only an anchor to the past but building bridges to the future. He explained that for 172 years
methodists have gathered in the Town of Franklin. He talked about the community’s history. He said the
UMC is requesting Community Preservation funds to restore the facility’s historic exterior. He reviewed
the process involved in this restoration. He noted that UMC is one of the oldest religious institutions in
the Town of Franklin. He reviewed some of the architectural heritage of the building and some of the
events it has hosted over its history. He said the proposal focuses strictly on preserving the historic
exterior of the building. CPC funds will not be used to preserve or restore religious iconography, even
that which exists on the outside of the building. The cross on the exterior of the church will be restored at
the expense of the church and not with any public funds. He said no aid is being given to fund the
religious operation and obligations of the church. He said this proposal is unique so discussion is well
warranted, and they are happy to answer any questions. This is about preserving our shared history and
preserving the character of downtown Franklin and honoring the spirit of a place that has welcomed,
educated, and served generations of people in Franklin. He talked about speaking with someone who
seems to have obtained the architect’s drawing of the facility which would be the oldest photographic
evidence of the building. ►Councilor Sheridan asked is not this what the CPC is for. ►Mr. Hellen said
this request is to do $100,245 of exterior renovations. ►Mr. Cerel said the issue is the eligibility of CPA
funding for the use of an active church building which was the subject of a court case and they laid out
the guidance which was provided in the meeting packet. He said in his opinion, the request is legally
defensible. It is limited to exterior work. He said the building is in the middle of a historic area in the
downtown and is being made to look like it should historically. ►Councilor Hamblen said she watched
the CPC meeting and discussed the conclusions with a neighbor. She said this is a private request and
that is great. She reviewed the building has historic significance. She said this is what the community has
been saying they want to keep that small-town feel, and this will help to do that. She said it is only for
the exterior of the building, and she thinks it passes the sniff test and is a great use of the funds.
►Councilor Dellorco said $100,000 does not go that far. He said it is a big and old building. He asked
the plans for fundraising and said he hopes they can fund raise. ►Mr. Juncker talked about the amount of
money requested. He said in terms of the exterior project, the contractor believes he can do it within the
budget. He talked about past work done on the building and that mostly the work in this project is
cosmetic and dealing with the finer details. ►Councilor Frongillo said he thinks it passes the literal test
of supporting historic renovations, but also passes the emotional test of supporting community
preservation and community spaces. He said it is the right thing to fund. ►Councilor Jones said he
concurs with the other Town Council members. He said he would like a detailed list of expenses. ►Mr.
Cerel clarified that in the budgeting for this project everything is self-contained. ►Mr. Juncker
confirmed that if they were awarded the grant, the invoices have to be submitted to the town. ►Mr.
Hellen confirmed and reviewed that there would also be a preservation restriction. ►Councilor Jones
said the building serves the community well, and he is in support of this funding. ►Councilor Pellegri
asked if it okay for us to spend public money on a private building. She asked how many parishioners in
the UMC. ►Mr. Juncker discussed how to define parishioners. He said on Sundays they have about 35
for worship service, they have about 230 members, and did an analysis for another grant and about 1,200
were served for three programs, which does not include the 130 meals on wheels per day, or the 20
students who attend the school in the basement or any other activities. ►Councilor Pellegri said she has
a problem with it as it may open a can of worms for other buildings. She noted that no public funds were
used for the St. Mary’s Church fire. She said the town does not own this building. ►Mr. Juncker said as
a resident he does not feel CPA funds are a tax; he views it more as a fee. He explained the difference
between this project and St. Mary’s. He noted the damage at St. Mary’s was done in the public worship
space which would not pass the sniff test and would not be eligible. He explained that this is a new
endeavor and they are proud of the application put forth so that public funds are used appropriately.
►Councilor Pellegri said we could be setting a precedent on this. ►Mr. Cerel said under the CPA, there
is no prohibition on benefitting private property or requiring it to be public property. The tradeoff is the
permanent restriction that has to be put on for the benefit of the public to preserve the benefit that
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warranted the funding. He discussed the guidance and complication because of a court case. He reviewed
the anti-aid amendment originally passed in the mid-1800s which says there needs to be strict scrutiny
and oversight of the application of public funds to any private enterprise. And in particular in the case of
a church the court went further and laid down specific criteria, the three-prong test, which was addressed
here tonight. He said based on materials and presentations it is legally defensible. ►Councilor Chandler
talked about the separation of church and state. He said if someone did challenge this, he noted the
anti-aid amendment. He noted the three prongs and explained how this works. He said in a court
challenge, he thinks it would be fine. He further reviewed the separation of church and state. He
confirmed no public funds will be used for the cross at the top. ►Mr. Juncker confirmed the cupola is
part of the proposal, but not the cross. ►Mr. Hellen discussed that it was on the original quote, but taken
off at the CPC meeting. ►Councilor Chandler said he is in favor of this. ►Councilor Cormier-Leger
said he is having a tough time wrapping his head around this one. He is trying to separate the work Mr.
Juncker does and the needs of the building. He said many of the churches in town have community
meetings and clothing drives and other events. He said he gets stuck on a private organization asking for
public tax money. He said people have expectations as to how we spend their tax dollars. He said there
are public buildings that could use this money. He said the congregation needs to take care of the
building, not the Town of Franklin. He also has concerns about the word historic. He noted Dean College
has buildings on the historic registry. He said he worries about opening up Pandora’s box. ►Mr. Juncker
said in no way is the $100,245 going to support the operational expenses of the church. He reviewed the
anti-aid amendment. He said any scrutiny being applied to Franklin UMC should be also applied to other
charitable or non-profit entities in town being considered for public funding of any sort including the
Franklin Food Pantry, YMCA, Safe Coalition, and more. ►Councilor Cormier-Leger discussed that it
was not town money for the other nonprofits that Mr. Juncker noted; it was not CPA money as it came
through state grants and was not town money. ►Ms. Prewitt said she is a town resident and loves that the
town voted in 2021 to have an additional fee on the tax bills for projects that otherwise would go
unfunded. As a town resident, she voted for it because she thought it gave the opportunity for three
things: open space, affordable housing, and historic preservation. She discussed the law that she voted
for did not say it was all town money for all town projects. She said private entities are part of that.
►Mr. Juncker noted that the Old Town Meeting House would technically be the first privately owned.
►Mr. Cerel noted it is not operating. ►Chair Mercer said he likes the project and the concept. He has a
question. He said across the country religious institutions are having issues with strength of their
congregations. He said in some cases if something were to happen and your congregation goes to zero,
the regional institutional comes in and says we cannot support the church, what protection might we have
for the investment we have made in the structure. ►Mr. Cerel said the deed restriction which the CPA
requires is put at the Registry of Deeds in perpetuity. The building could be put to another use, but the
exterior façade would have to be kept. ►Ms. Shannon Nealon, 15 Russet Hill Road, said in terms of
setting a precedent, it is a good question. She said this is how you set the precedent. It is narrowly
focused and exterior only. She said it is laid out clearly by the courts. She said they hit all the points. She
encouraged the Town Council to seize the opportunity for the town that this is a very narrow scope.
►Mr. Steve Sherlock, 13 Magnolia Drive, community information director for Franklin Matters and
Franklin Public Radio, said he can attest to the community involvement as one who manages the
community calendar that the UMC does have community events. He reviewed events and small
discussions held at the location. He explained the other piece is process. He said the applicant has
checked all the boxes. He noted ways the CPA money can be used and noted the due diligence is setting
the precendent for approvals and process questions that will come up after this one. ►Mr. Max
Morrongiello, 127 Central Park Terrace, said he wanted to push back against the idea that this is going to
be a can of worms as they heard that with the Pride Flag and it was not. He said second is the sense of
community and that it is a parish’s responsibility to raise funds for themselves. He discussed this is about
all of us coming together to support one another. He said we are all supporting our community whether
private or public. The façade of the building will benefit all. ►Mr. Juncker said he was passed a
question: can the building be used as an art gallery. He said he has had that conversation with the
Franklin Arts Association and they would love to do temporary art galleries. He noted the challenges
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with wall space due to so many windows, but 100 percent, yes.►VOTE: Yes-9, No-0, Absent-0.►Mr.
Juncker handed out information about public events held at the UMC.
b. Resolution 25-49: Franklin Town Council Support for Proposed GL Chapter 40B Affordable Housing
Project at 202 Washington Street Pursuant to DHCD’s Local Initiative Program (LIP) (Motion to
Approve Resolution 25-49 - Majority Vote).►CouncilorJones read the resolution.►MOTIONto
ApproveResolution 25-49: Franklin Town Council Supportfor Proposed GL Chapter 40B Affordable
Housing Project at 202 Washington Street Pursuant to DHCD’s Local Initiative Program (LIP) by
Dellorco.SECONDbyHamblen.Discussion: ►Mr. Hellensaid reviewed his memo to the Town
Council dated July 18, 2025, provided in the meeting packet. The Town Council will be considering a
Local Initiative Program (LIP) application for a proposed Friendly 40B development at 202 Washington
Street. Project proponent, New Generation Custom Homes, will be giving a presentation. Project
overview: 13 tri-plex units with three bedrooms per unit for ownership; total unit count will be 39 units
of for sale housing; 25 percent of the units will be affordable; over 14 acres of land, with approximately
40 percent remaining undeveloped for recreational use; access to Town water and sewer; close proximity
to I-495; pocket parks and trails to accommodate residents’ outdoor needs and provide a high-quality
living environment. New Generation Custom Homes presented to the Planning Board at their March 4
meeting, and after receiving recommendations from the Planning Board presented again at their April 7
meeting to address the recommendations. After considerable review and discussion, the Planning Board
voted unanimously (5-0) to endorse the project. ►Mr. Jonathan Silverstein, counsel for the applicant,
with Blatman, Bobrowski, Haverty & Silverstein, and Mr. Michael Hassett, project engineer of Guerriere
& Halnon, addressed the Town Council. Mr. Silverstien said this project was presented to the Planning
Board with recommendation of approval. He said they have not yet gone to the state for the project
eligibility letter, and they hope to do so with this body’s approval. He narrated a slideshow presentation.
He provided an overview of the project team. He said the location is about 14.3 acres. The project is 39
units proposed, with 10 affordable deed-restricted in perpetuity. He said the project is triplex units with
all homeownership and not rental. He explained the location on a map. He said each unit will have four
bedrooms, two-car garage, and over 2,000 sq. ft. living space. There will be 13 buildings with 10
deed-restricted affordable. It is a condo project with 40 percent of the site as open space. He showed the
overall preliminary site plan. He noted they would have to apply to the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA)
for a comprehensive permit. He said they did a preliminary traffic assessment, and there is no significant
traffic impact. He showed and described the floor plan. He discussed project benefits. He said there will
be road improvements, trails, and access to open space. He reviewed the process for this proposal.
►Councilor Sheridan confirmed the house at the address is going to stay. ►Councilor Dellorco said he
is most connected as he lives in the area. He asked about the bedrooms and what is affordable. He asked
about the sewer location. ►Mr. Silverstein reviewed that there is a typo on the plans and that they are
actually four bedrooms. He discussed the formula for affordable. ►Mr. Hassett discussed the location of
the sewer lines to minimize clearing and disturbance, and said there is no site access from Taft Drive.
►Councilor Hamblen said she thinks this is one of the things people have been asking for, and this is
really great. She said she thinks there was a recommendation from the Planning Board to reduce the
units. ►Mr. Hassett said the intent was to present the same plan as to the Planning Board and then take
all comments from Planning Board and Town Council and put into a revised plan to present to ZBA.
►Mr. Silverstein reviewed the calculations for total number of units and number of affordable units. He
noted this is not a very dense project. ►Councilor Jones said what has been said already is clear and this
is more along the lines of what people are looking for to buy and make their own. He said his concern is
the highway as they are really close. He asked what have they thought about protecting the neighborhood
from extraneous noise. ►Mr. Silverstien said they could put in sound mitigation fencing and things like
that. ►Mr. Hassett said the property is raised above the highway, and they will look at sound issues.
►Councilor Comier-Leger asked if the ownership of the land has been transferred or is it contingent
upon this process being approved. ►Mr. Silverstein said it was under agreement. ►Councilor
Comier-Leger asked the applicant to keep in mind concerns from abutters and keep in mind concessions
that could be done. He said they have been talking about providing more homes like this for a long time.
8
►Mr. Hassett said the final plan would take those concerns into consideration. ►Councilor
Cormier-Leger said he believes this gives a pathway to homeownership for a lot of people. He said he
hopes and would like to see the affordable part land around the $300,000 figure. He said he fully
supports the project. ►Mr. Silverstein talked about the HOA fee. He said in his experience 39 units is
not large enough to merit on-site management; it would be up to the HOA how they want to manage it.
►Councilor Chandler said he is glad it is not apartment style and asked about the number of bedrooms.
He said he liked the project. ►Mr. Silverstein said all are four bedrooms as currently conceived. He said
they will be told which units to designate as affordable. ►Councilor Pellegri asked questions about the
applicant. ►Mr. Silverstein explained Florence Ristaino is the owner, but the applicant is New
Generation and that is Mr. Alves company. ►Mr. Bill Quinn, 230 Washington Street, said he is legally
responsible for the property at 202 Washington Street. ►Discussion commenced on the family and the
responsibility for the estate. ►Councilor Pellegri commented that with four bedrooms we better start
keeping some of the schools that we are closing. ►Mr. Mark Minnichelli, 31 Longfellow Drive, asked
about the request to remove the boulevard entrance. He said he is supportive of the project. He said he
was a member of the Ben for Franklin affordable housing group in town. He said it is healthy to have
40B apartments and home ownership units. ►Ms. Karen Miller, 246 Washington Street, pointed out her
home on the map. She said she has been following the project. She said at the Planning Board talked
about the units would probably go for about $800,000 each. She said she asked earlier in the meeting
why the town needs more money. She said she would answer the question. She noted 2.5 children each
unit and you are going to get roughly 100 children in the project. She noted the real estate taxes received
for that at approximately $365,000 and the cost per pupil to educate which would be approximately $1.7
million. She said all the information she used for this calculation is in the town report. She said people
have said the project is tucked back in the woods. She said this project sits high on a hill. She noted a
previous project approved but not built yet of a 255,000 sq. ft. warehouse in the same area. She said this
new neighborhood with all the children will abut this warehouse. She noted another project in an
industrial zone across the street. She said this is all industry and now it is going to be residential. She
reviewed that previously the Town Council said no one in residential wants to be sitting that close to
I-495. And now this project is coming in saying this is for residential. She noted no sidewalks down to
Taft. She said the buses cannot go up there as it will be private. She discussed where the buses will have
to come on Washington Street with no sidewalks. She said they talked about 14 acres and open space.
She said the reason it is open space is because of the high-tension wires and you cannot build under
them. She noted the topography of the land is high on a hill and pointed out the retention ponds. She
noted an issue already about runoff on Washington Street from the hill as this is all downhill. She
discussed the price range of $800,000 which is approximately the same as the single-family homes on
Taft Drive currently. She noted current construction in the area going on for 3.5 years and asked how
long will they continue to have to live in a construction zone. ►Mr. Robert Lariviere, 230 Washington
Street, said the sidewalk goes up to 236 Washington Street. He discussed the idea of affordable housing
for people to live in what is now just woods is excellent. ►Mr. Matthew Garlock, 4 Taft Drive (via
Zoom), said he lives next to the future sewer line. He said he is glad this is the same presentation made to
the Planning Board. He noted the sewer line on sheet 9 following the dirt road following the power line.
He noted the placement of the sewer lines, the grade, and the soil. He asked for the mitigations regarding
the sewer and preventing the integrity of the pipe from being compromised. He asked about utility access
and vehicles riding over the area where the sewer will be buried 20 years from now with the sandy soil.
He asked about 2 Taft Drive being currently unmaintained. He asked about the sidewalk in the area and a
barrier to reduce the sand coming down on to the sidewalk. He asked about the timeline for construction.
►Mr. Hassett said they still intend to make the sewer line revisions and discussed erosion control
barriers. He said all will be reviewed through the ZBA. He said construction in those conditions occurs
all the time. He said there will also be a peer review on the design. He noted the sewer easement access
on 2 Taft Drive, but there are no improvements proposed for that area. He said they will look into a
barrier for the sand on the sidewalk. He discussed the process going forward. ►VOTE: Yes-9, No-0,
Absent-0.
9
Chair Mercer called for a four-minute recess.
c. Resolution 25-50: Adoption of Local Initiative Program “Friendly 40B” Policy (Motion to Approve
Resolution 25-50 - Majority Vote).►Councilor Jonesread the resolution.►MOTIONtoApprove
Resolution25-50: Adoption of Local Initiative Program“Friendly 40B” Policy byDellorco.SECOND
byHamblen.Discussion:►Mr. Frigulietti said shewanted to wait for Mr. Hellen to provide the review.
►Chair Mercer said he would like to take another itemwhile they wait for Mr. Hellen.
j. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-938: Residential Commercial Kitchens - A Zoning Bylaw to Amend
Chapter 185, Section 3 of the Code of the Town of Franklin - Referral to the Planning Board (Motion
to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-938 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote).►Councilor Jones
read the zoning bylaw amendment.►MOTIONtoReferZoning Bylaw Amendment 25-938:
Residential Commercial Kitchens - A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185, Section 3 of the Code of the
Town of Franklin to the Planning Board byDellorco.SECONDbyHamblen.Discussion:►Councilor
Cormier-Leger said he was a little confused. He said he thought they talked and voted on commercial
kitchens before. He asked if this applies to someone having a catering business out of their home. ►Mr.
Hellen said this is a little different. This allows for residential homeowners who are not on public sewer
to be able to have a commercial kitchen in their house within state code. He said this is not about creating
a restaurant in someone’s house, it is about baked goods, jams, and a variety of items usually sold at
farmer’s markets. He said this compliments the previous bylaw. He noted there are limitations based on
the state code and that is why is goes to the Board of Health.►Councilor Hamblen clarified this is for
people with only a septic which is about one-third of the houses in Franklin. She said this would allow
for someone to sell cakes out of their home.►VOTE:Yes-9, No-0, Absent-0.
k. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-939: Residential Commercial Kitchens - A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the
Franklin Town Code at Chapter 185, Attachment 8, Use Regulations Schedule Part VII: Accessory
Uses - Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-939 to the
Planning Board - Majority Vote).►Councilor Jonesread the zoning bylaw amendment.►MOTIONto
ReferZoning Bylaw Amendment 25-939: Residential CommercialKitchens - A Zoning Bylaw to
Amend the Franklin Town Code at Chapter 185, Attachment 8, Use Regulations Schedule Part VII:
Accessory Uses to the Planning Board byDellorco.SECONDbyHamblen.Discussion:►Mr. Hellen
said they did get the recommendation of the health director, and this is not a financial fee about what we
charge for any other inspections.►VOTE: Yes-9, No-0,Absent-0.
l. Bylaw Amendment 25-940: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Fees,
Municipal Service, by Adding a New Service Fee: Residential Commercial Kitchen - First Reading
(Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 25-940 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote).►Councilor Jones
read the bylaw amendment.►MOTIONtoMoveBylaw Amendment25-940: A Bylaw to Amend the
Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Fees, Municipal Service, by Adding a New Service Fee:
Residential Commercial Kitchen to a Second Reading byDellorco.SECONDbyHamblen.Discussion:
►Mr. Hellen said he misspoke on the last item regardingthe fee as it pertains to this item.►VOTE:
Yes-9, No-0, Absent-0.
c. (Continued) Resolution 25-50: Adoption of Local Initiative Program “Friendly 40B” Policy (Motion
to Approve Resolution 25-50 - Majority Vote).►CouncilorJones read the resolution again.
►MOTIONtoApproveResolution25-50: Adoption of LocalInitiative Program “Friendly 40B” Policy
byDellorco.SECONDbyHamblen.Discussion:►Mr. Hellensaid as stated earlier, for Friendly 40Bs
these are the first we have done, and we have just done three of them. The one just approved was already
in the pipeline when we heard community concerns about Friendly 40Bs. He said at a staff level, they
had altered the policy to take away the ability for someone to file for a Friendly 40B that was a large
apartment complex. Given the concerns of the community about apartments and larger complexes and
development, the policy tonight mirrors that. He referred to his memo to the Town Council dated July 18,
10
2025, regarding this item. He said the Town Council is the legislative body that will handle this. He said
the legislative body should be taking some sort of stance on behalf of the community on where we stand
on whether we are going to accept 40B applications in the future. He said right now there are none in the
pipeline. He said this is a nice time because we have had three. As written in his memo, he noted the
Town Council can accept the current draft proposal or it can be amended, changed, provide feedback to
the staff or take this matter up again in the future. The Town Council could also decide to not accept
applications until further notice. As this policy only relates to LIP applications, the Town Council has
relatively generous authority to develop a policy on how they want to handle these matters. He said this
is an open discussion.►Councilor Frongillo said hehas lots of thoughts on this one. He noted he missed
one Town Council meeting which discussed the staff policy which he was opposed to, and he wrote an
email saying so. He said this agenda item brought forth is in response to testimony of individuals who
had come before us. He said one of the individuals asked that we evaluate our Subsidized Housing
Inventory (SHI) and our actual/true SHI. He noted a policy to consider and maybe even setting a target
for what share of Franklin units we want to be actually affordable. He said he thinks the true number is
closer to 3 or 4 percent, not the 10 percent. He said another policy idea was maybe instead of having a
yes or no rental or no rental, it is a more complex calculation for which to evaluate 40Bs for ownership
over rental. He said his fear in this is fears about choices for ourselves and individuals. He said this
handicaps our ability to make decisions. It says we will not consider rental units, and he further
explained his concerns about the proposed policy taking away choice. He explained we should have
choices over rental and ownership. By categorical saying no to even considering rental units, we are
taking away possible affordable options. He explained he finds the policy in contrast to the Housing
Production Plan and in direct contrast to the community survey. He said he does not support the policy as
currently drafted. He said if we are feeling this is something that needs to be done, he has preferred
language to amend this. ►Councilor Dellorco said it is not affordable as $2,400 a month is not
affordable. He said we need affordable housing, but he is aggravated when they say it is affordable. He
said we need affordable. He said he realizes this is on the state level. ►Councilor Cormier-Leger said he
supports the way it is written as it is directly listening to the people who have loudly been complaining
about the direction the town has been going. He said it does not solve the problem, but shows we are
listening. He said he agrees the apartments are not affordable.He said we are not solving the issueof
young people or seniors or single moms needing a place to go with more expensive apartments. He said
the town has done what they needed to do for the MBTA Communities rule and the state should be happy
with the town. He said this will send a message to the constituents that we listened. He said this issue
affected the override vote as well. He would like to say we drew a line in the sand, and we have these
projects going forward, and we now have made a decision, and we are going forward and moving in a
way that the community can support. He is in support of the language change. ►Councilor Sheridan says
he disagrees a little. He said if something is 80 percent market rate, if it is not affordable, it is more
affordable. He discussed what could be affordable. He noted he and others when they started out that
they rented apartments. Renting a place is an option. Allowing more rentals gives people more choice.
►Mr. Hellen discussed the St. John’s project. He said most people except abutters supported this project.
He discussed the area median income and that this housing is going to support people in the community.
He noted banks are tightening up even more. He said affordability is defined by the Commonwealth. He
said affordability is not a decision on this policy. This decision is about housing types and size of housing
developments. He explained this state is one of the most unaffordable places to live in the country. He
said they need to talk to the state representatives about the affordability rules. He talked about the 40B
statute. ►Councilor Hamblen said she feels we should have more lower income place apartments for
people. She agrees with what Councilor Frongillo said. She said she also agrees with Councilor
Cormier-Leger. She said they heard a lot of people complain that we are not listening to them. She said
we have to think about who we represent. She said she thinks about what the whole town needs and
wants. She hesitates to codify the language but maybe that is what we need to do is to say that maybe we
can add some wording about lower affordable units like at the church. She said it is difficult as she
believes in housing for people and also believes she represents people more than herself. ►Mr. Cerel
said he wants to clarify the context of the resolution and what it is dealing with. He said the resolution is
11
crafted directly in response to a specific portion of regulations of the Executive Office of Housing and
Livable Communities. This is a specific program for Local Initiative Programs (LIPS) and Friendly 40Bs
and so this is a guidance written under that policy. ►Mr. Max Morrongiello, 127 Central Park Terrace,
asked Mr. Cerel if the Town Council can amend this policy resolution to be 50 percent rather than 80
percent. ►Mr. Cerel said no as affordability is defined by state statute and regulation. ►Mr. Hellen
discussed if the policy can establish out a set of criteria, but he thinks they are moving away from what
they are hearing from the public. He reviewed housing on the SHI. Even with a fair amount of market
rate housing that is going to be built, the town will likely be over the 10 percent for the foreseeable
future. He discussed the balance of some people wanting more and other people not wanting more. He
said if you are going to the criteria level and establish out a method or matrix, that needs to be carefully
drafted. Chair Mercer said this may be something that could be put under goals. ►Mr. Morrongiello said
he thinks this should be referred to the Economic Development Committee and take a closer look at this.
►Mr. Mark Minnichelli, 31 Longfellow Drive, said he was one of the people who spoke up looking to
try to move forward on affordable housing and metrics that we use. He said he was underwhelmed with
what was on the agenda to cover the 40B topic. He said affordability is far away from what the state is
saying is affordable. He explained what he was hoping for. He said the development behind the church is
a great example. He said his earlier requests were based on the SHI and having to be above the 10
percent. He said the 10 percent number seems to be used as a goal line as we have made it and we are
done. He said his request is the town needs to know what should we be shooting for, not the bare
minimum for affordability for what the state says is a 10 percent level. He would like all to have a
consistent goal of what we are shooting for. He said he also brought up having an actual subsidized
housing affordable unit number. He said he thinks the Town Council has the authority to define our own
target for Franklin. ►Mr. Hellen explained there are dozens of different avenues for development. He
said if all the projects in process were on the books today, you would be at 17, 18, 20 percent affordable
by SHI. He said what target do you want. He said the state sees this as a state-wide problem. He said the
state is unaffordable for many people. He said you could add in a goal for percentage of the state law. He
said they are never going to get to what is affordable until state law and regulations change. Affordability
is not the question tonight; it is housing types and sizes. He said he agrees we need a goalpost, but
affordability is a conversation with the state representatives. ►Ms. Steve Sherlock, 13 Magnolia Drive,
said he fears by passing this it restricts future capabilities. He said we are not resolving the issues that are
out there. He said some of the processes around the 40Bs were not understood which led to some of the
outrage. He said we still need to do a communications piece and enhance/understand the processes.
►MOTIONtoAmendResolution25-50: Adoption of LocalInitiative Program “Friendly 40B” Policy,
to change the word accept to prefer, and instead of saying the town is not accepting say the town is less
likely to accept, and in the next paragraph instead of saying the Town Council will only consider say the
Town Council will strongly prefer byFrongillo. Discussion:►Councilor Frongillo said he would accept
a friendly motion if you are interested to add a line about among rental based housing projects, the town
will prefer applications that provide deeper housing affordability options than the minimum 80 percent
area median income requirement.►Mr. Hellen explainedhe does not think we can do that because it is
set by state statute.►Councilor Frongillo said hedoes not think that is true. ►Mr. Cerel explained the
context and said the driver here is the so-called SHI which is part of the regulatory implementation of
40B; that is what you are addressing. ►Councilor Frongillo said he was not asking for Mr. Cerel’s
testimony, the question is can we say deeper than 80 percent and the answer is yes, we could say deeper
and further discuss this wording.►Chair Mercer askedif Councilor Frongillo would like to put that as
part of his amendment. ►Councilor Frongillo said I guess where people’s interest would like is that
preferable aspect. ►Mr. Hellen said he could do two amendments. ►Councilor Frongillo said he would
maintain the current proposed.SECONDby Sheridan.Discussion on the amendment:►Councilor
Chandler asked if they are back to the original amendment. ►Chair Mercer said they are voting on the
amendment which is what you see up there in red. ►Councilor Chandler said the people have spoken.
This is going to go right back to where the override will never pass again. He said you have got to listen
to the people. ►Councilor Frongillo said the people have never spoken for us to not have the option to
consider rental properties. He discussed the community survey just done which they told us 65 percent of
12
them said the highest housing priority by far was affordability. Those people have spoken. He said none
of them said we should not have the option. He said do not take away our ability to support a rental
project. ►Councilor Sheridan said we represent a democracy. ►Councilor Chandler said he was
speaking. He said he thinks they should go back to the original amendment. The people have spoken. He
said there will be a whole new Town Council. We should probably let them vote and push this off for two
months. He said he does not agree with the amendment.►VOTE on the amendment as you see in
front of you (on the screen) in red: Yes-3, No-6, Absent-0.►Chair Mercer said the No’s have it and
the amendment fails.Discussion on the original motion:►Councilor Frongillo said he can feel the tea
leaves going this way. He said the only thing being forced is a new policy that you are adopting to force
your hand to not even consider. The only forcing is in the language. He said if you care about housing
affordability at all, do not take away your ability to consider an affordable housing project. This is a
made-up policy to take away your ability. You should be mad as a town leader. He said this is in direct
contrast to the goals of the Master Plan, Housing Production Plan, Community Survey, and that all of
you say you support housing affordability. ►MOTIONtoTablethis policy for further deliberation to at
least deliberate on it at a later time to have more time to discuss byFrongillo. SECONDbySheridan.
Discussion:►Mr. Cerel said it was non-debatable. ►Councilor Frongillo said can we please take this
up at a different time and talk about it more. He said this is wrong. ►VOTE on the motion to table for
a future meeting: ►ROLL CALL VOTE: Chandler-NO; Cormier-Leger-NO; Dellorco-NO;
Frongillo-YES; Hamblen-YES; Jones-NO; Mercer-YES; Pellegri-YES; Sheridan-YES. ►VOTE:
Yes-5, No-4, Absent-0.►Chair Mercer said it will be put on a future agenda.
d. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-929: Creation of the Crossing Neighborhood Zoning District - A
Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Section 4, Districts
Enumerated - Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-929 to
the Planning Board - Majority Vote).►Mr. Hellen saidthe next six votes all relate to this one issue.
Councilor Frongillo left the meeting.
►Councilor Jones read the zoning bylaw amendment.►MOTIONtoReferZoning Bylaw Amendment
25-929: Creation of the Crossing Neighborhood Zoning District - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the
Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Section 4, Districts Enumerated to the Planning Board by
Dellorco.SECONDbyHamblen.Discussion:►Mr. Hellensaid as part of the Town Council goals for
the year they were going to create the crossing neighborhood zoning district. We have mirrored almost
all of the C1 downtown to bring over to this new district. He noted and explained the provided map
shown on the screen. He said there are a couple of parcels added into this proposal. He said all six
bylaws are referral to the Planning Board. He said the two big features are that this district there is a
maximum height of three stories and there is no option in that neighborhood for a fourth or fifth story. He
said Downtown Commercial you can go four or five stories. He said another change is that in Downtown
Commercial we got rid of the industrial requirement to have one parking space on site for every 500 sq.
ft. of commercial space. In downtown commercial we got rid of that to comply with MBTA
Communities. He said there is plenty of parking downtown. The difference is we are keeping that
requirement in the Crossing as there are no parking lots. He discussed parking. He said those are the big
pieces of this. He said they heard a lot of support for this from a lot of people. He said the EDC voted
unanimously for this. ►Town Planner Amy Love (via Zoom) said this has been a long-time planning and
staff has been working hard on this. She said she thinks it is important to work together to make those
changes. She said they met with the EDC chair and Planning Board chair to put together different
dynamics of this to make it work. She said this is the beginning for a new area of town to develop and
bring growth. ►Councilor Hamblen said this is important to think about as a mini downtown
commercial area, but it is a neighborhood. She discussed the type of use there. She discussed the
proposed parking. She said one amendment she did not get to was on the schedule of lot area which she
reviewed. She said maybe Ms. Love can ask the Planning Board to talk about this and maybe remove
this. She said she does not want to hinder single-family being built. She said they want to promote the
13
ability to build single-family there. ►Councilor Dellorco confirmed the current height restriction. ►Mr.
Hellen said that the bylaw caps it at three stories. ►Building Commissioner Gus Brown confirmed the
height of three stories and the maximum height as it is proposed. ►Councilor Hamblen said they
restricted it to three stories in height, and she noted the setbacks are for Downtown Commercial.
►Councilor Chandler questioned what the buildings would be like. He asked about parking. ►Chair
Mercer confirmed mixed use. ►Mr. Hellen reviewed parking at one per unit onsite was the same as
downtown commercial. He discussed at some point there needs to be some level of parking. It will be
one space for every 500 sq. of commercial. He said there is still street parking. He noted the SNETT trail.
►Councilor Jones discussed the EDC meeting and items brought up.He said the goal is not to put up a
parking garage but to at least allow for it. He said he sees growth in the neighborhood. He explained how
the neighborhood got done over years back. ►VOTE:Yes-8, No-0, Absent-1.
e. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-930: Zoning Map Changes: Crossing Neighborhood Zoning District -
Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Section 5, Zoning
Map - Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-930 to the
Planning Board - Majority Vote).►MOTIONtoWaivethe reading byCormier-Leger.SECONDby
Hamblen.No discussion. ►VOTE: Yes-8, No-0, Absent-1.►MOTIONtoReferZoning Bylaw
Amendment 25-930: Zoning Map Changes: Crossing Neighborhood Zoning District - Zoning Bylaw
Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Section 5, Zoning Map to the Planning
Board byDellorco.SECONDbyHamblen.No discussion.►VOTE: Yes-8, No-0, Absent-1.
f. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-931: The Crossing Zoning Use Regulations - A Zoning Bylaw
Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Use Regulation Schedule, Part I
through Part VII - Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment
25-931 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote).►MOTIONtoWaivethe reading byCormier-Leger.
SECONDbyDellorco.No discussion. ►VOTE: Yes-8, No-0,Absent-1.►MOTIONtoReferZoning
Bylaw Amendment 25-931: The Crossing Zoning Use Regulations - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the
Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Use Regulation Schedule, Part I through Part VII to the
Planning Board byDellorco.SECONDbyHamblen.Nodiscussion.►VOTE: Yes-8, No-0, Absent-1.
g. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-932: The Crossing Zoning District - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the
Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Schedule of Lot, Area, Frontage, Yard and Height
Requirements - Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-932 to
the Planning Board - Majority Vote).►MOTIONtoWaivethe reading byCormier-Leger.SECOND
byDellorco.No discussion. ►VOTE: Yes-8, No-0, Absent-1.►MOTIONtoReferZoning Bylaw
Amendment 25-932: The Crossing Zoning District - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the
Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Schedule of Lot, Area, Frontage, Yard and Height Requirements to the
Planning Board byDellorco.SECONDbyHamblen.Nodiscussion.►VOTE: Yes-8, No-0, Absent-1.
h. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-933: Crossing Neighborhood Zoning District - A Zoning Bylaw
Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Section 21, Parking, Loading and
Driveway Requirements - Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment
25-933 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote).►MOTIONtoWaivethe reading byCormier-Leger.
SECONDbyJones.No discussion. ►VOTE: Yes-8, No-0,Absent-1.►MOTIONtoReferZoning
Bylaw Amendment 25-933: Crossing Neighborhood Zoning District - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to
the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Section 21, Parking, Loading and Driveway
Requirements to the Planning Board byDellorco.SECONDbyHamblen.No discussion.►VOTE:
Yes-8, No-0, Absent-1.
i. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-934: Crossing Neighborhood Crossing District - A Zoning Bylaw
Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Sections 3, 4, 20 & 31 - Referral to
the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-934 to the Planning Board -
14
Majority Vote).►MOTIONtoWaivethe reading byCormier-Leger.SECONDbySheridan.No
discussion. ►VOTE: Yes-8, No-0, Absent-1.►MOTIONtoReferZoning Bylaw Amendment
25-934: Crossing Neighborhood Crossing District - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the
Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Sections 3, 4, 20 & 31 to the Planning Board byDellorco.SECOND
byHamblen.Discussion:►Councilor Hamblen said thetown staff did an amazing job, and she does
not want to roll over that. She thanked all those who worked really hard for this.VOTE: Yes-8, No-0,
Absent-1.
m. Bylaw Amendment 25-936: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 73,
Departmental Revolving Funds (EV Charging Stations) - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Bylaw
Amendment 25-936 - Majority Roll Call Vote).►MOTIONtoWaivethe reading byCormier-Leger.
SECONDbySheridan.No discussion. ►VOTE: Yes-8, No-0,Absent-1.►MOTIONtoApprove
Bylaw Amendment 25-936: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 73,
Departmental Revolving Funds (EV Charging Stations) byDellorco.SECONDbyHamblen.
Discussion:►Mr. Hellen said items m and n are thefinal two votes required to set up the revolving fund
for the EV charging station and the rate. ►Councilor Dellorco asked about the charging stations at the
high school and if we are charging those people. ►Mr. Hellen said after you take this vote they will.
►ROLL CALL VOTE: Chandler-YES; Cormier-Leger-YES; Dellorco-YES; Hamblen-YES;
Jones-YES; Mercer-YES; Pellegri-YES; Sheridan-YES.►VOTE: Yes-8, No-0, Absent-1.
n. Bylaw Amendment 25–937: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Fees,
Municipal Service (EV Charging Stations) - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment
25-937 - Majority Roll Call Vote).►MOTIONtoWaivethe reading byCormier-Leger.SECONDby
Dellorco.No discussion. ►VOTE: Yes-8, No-0, Absent-1.►MOTIONtoApproveBylaw
Amendment 25–937: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Fees,
Municipal Service (EV Charging Stations) byDellorco.SECONDbyHamblen.Discussion:
►Councilor Pellegri asked who would be monitoring this. ►Mr. Hellen explained the charging stations
would be automatic. He noted that some of the charging stations were funded by grants, and they have to
be open to the public and free; there are very few. All the other ones are pay for charging.►ROLL
CALL VOTE: Chandler-YES; Cormier-Leger-YES; Dellorco-YES; Hamblen-YES; Jones-YES;
Mercer-YES; Pellegri-YES; Sheridan-YES.►VOTE: Yes-8,No-0, Absent-1.
o. Resolution 25-51: Acceptance of Gifts - Senior Center ($1,646), Veterans’ Services ($400), Fire
Department ($1,025), Police Department ($1,000), Recreation (AED) (Motion to Approve Resolution
25-51 - Majority Vote).►Councilor Jones read theresolution.►MOTIONtoApproveResolution
25-51: Acceptance of Gifts - Senior Center ($1,646), Veterans’ Services ($400), Fire Department
($1,025), Police Department ($1,000), Recreation (AED) byDellorco.SECONDbyHamblen.
Discussion:►Chair Mercer thanked all the doners.►Mr. Hellen said Ryan Jette wanted to give a
shout-out to First Response Power Wash, Sean Cavanaugh, who stopped by and donated an AED.
►VOTE: Yes-8, No-0, Absent-1.
TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT:►Mr. Hellen thanked everyonewho is watching at home. He
gave a shout-out to Julie McCann and Karen Bratt for using insurance program credits and saving $53,000
off the insurance bill. He congratulated Senior Center Director Sarah Amaral for obtaining $25,000 to
replace all the Senior Center fitness equipment. He thanked Kathleen Laughran and Amanda Rabbitt at the
Supportive Day Program as they got invited to the state-wide conference to present on supportive day
programs and how they do things at Franklin. He congratulated CFO Kerri Bertone as she was appointed
president of the Norfolk County Municipal Finance Officers Association. He said he and Mr. Cerel are
researching avenues for liquor license instead of possibly the Town Council doing them as he had heard
broad consensus from the Town Council regarding if there is another alternative on how to handle liquor
license; he said we are looking into those options. He said he wrote an email to the Town Council about local
aid. He said we got cut from the state by $231,000, so those are budget cuts we will have to make sometime
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in August. He said to anticipate a Finance Committee meeting on August 11 and on August 13 the final
budget amendment will go through the Town Council. He said Social Services Coordinator Raeleen Gallivan
has taken a new position. She was incredibly good at what she did, she will be missed, and we wish her the
best. He said Ms. Frigulietti is taking a new position as the Assistant Town Manager for the Town of
Yarmouth in her new hometown. He said this is a great move for her career and family, and we are blessed
she spent three years in Franklin. She will be missed and we wish her the best.
SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS:
a. Capital Budget Subcommittee.►None.
b. Economic Development Subcommittee.►Councilor Hamblensaid it was a long meeting. They
discussed the crossing neighborhood and got an update on World Cup preparations. She said they put
together a list of priorities. They had a long discussion about the removal of use variances from the ZBA.
She said it is important to mention that people have been talking about how upset they are about why do
we allow for use variances. She said they thought they would talk about should they take it away from
the ZBA. She explained and gave examples of what is a use variance. She said she thinks they agreed
that until the zoning and the use tables are updated to follow the recommendations in the Master Plan, we
would loose too many possibles to remove the use variances from the ZBA. She said we did have a really
good discussion on it at last week’s EDC meeting.
c. Joint Budget Subcommittee.►None.
d. Police Station Building Committee.►None.
e. GATRA Advisory Board.►None.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:►Councilor Cormier-Leger askedfor an update on Scott Carruthers and the
VFW request for the clothing bin. He said he wanted to talk about Beaver and that there were tough budget
decisions, and DPW had to let go of the kids for trash, but the beach is in pretty rough shape and completely
unacceptable. He said in light of that can we consider a fee to use Beaver like other state parks and that
money could in turn pay for better trash collection. He said he talked to DPW Director Brutus Cantoreggi
who said they already do like a once-a-week trash pickup from the receptacles that are at the bathrooms.
Councilor Cormier-Leger said clearly that is not enough. ►Councilor Pellegri said she was also going to
bring up about the trash deal and things are getting messy along with the lawns that are not getting mowed.
She asked the residents if they would help and step forward and if there is a section in front of their house
regarding lawn mowing. She said if we can get people to step in and help out that would be wonderful. She
does not want people to come into town and see a mess. She said everyone step up and do not do all this
complaining on Facebook; step up and help out with the trash and with the lawns. Keep Franklin beautiful.
COUNCIL COMMENTS:
►Councilor Sheridan gave congratulations to Ms. Frigulietti. ►Councilor Hamblen congratulated all the
staff who had those wonderful accomplishments. She said she will miss both employees who are leaving.
►Councilor Cormier-Leger gave congratulations to both employees who are leaving. He thanked BJ’s
because their foundation awarded several hundred thousand dollars in grants to the Franklin Food Pantry. He
thanked the Fourth of July volunteer committee for the festival and fireworks show. He said he wanted to
make a correction that Mr. Schmidt did not make a $2,600 donation to the town, he made a $26,000 gift to
the town that we are considering in August. He thanked the teachers who earlier in the meeting spoke about
the SRO cuts; he said he 100 percent agrees. Those positions will be missed. ►Councilor Chandler said Ms.
Frigulietti will be missed. ►Councilor Jones said he feels bad about the teachers and the SROs and having
their presence at the schools. He said he will miss Ms. Frigulietti as she has done so much in her time here,
and he wished her well. He said he weed whacks Davis Thayer and cleans up the neighborhood around Davis
Thayer. ►Councilor Dellorco said Ms. Frigulietti will be missed. ►Chair Mercer thanked everyone as this
was a lengthy meeting and noted the 6 PM start for this meeting and the August meeting. He thanked all who
came to the meeting and watched the meeting. He thanked Ms. Frigulietti for all she has done and
congratulated her.
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EXECUTIVE SESSION:►None.
ADJOURN:►MOTIONtoAdjournbyDellorco.SECONDbyHamblen. No Discussion. ►VOTE:
Yes-8, No-0, Absent-1.
Meeting adjourned at 10:44 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Judith Lizardi
Recording Secretary
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