This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the Economic Development Subcommittee (EDC) held on Wednesday, September 6, 2023 in the Council Chambers. 

The EDC talked about snow removal on a hot Wednesday in the Franklin Council Chambers for their regularly scheduled meeting.

The proposed reintroduction of the sidewalk snow removal bylaw which was rescinded in 2017 was initially discussed at the August EDC meeting at which one member was absent. All four participated this time, 3 present in Chambers, one via remote connection.

That the bylaw hadn't been present for 6 years apparently had wrought enough interest to make it to the Council's objectives, hence this discussion.

The committee could have decided to do more research before forwarding to the Council, or done nothing (effectively continuing the status quo of the past 6 years). They did end up moving it forward without recommendation for a full Council discussion. Some additional research will be done by Town staff in prep for a future Council meeting.

Quick recap:

• What some folks would want is for the Town to clear the sidewalks, however the DPW is not staffed to do this and their other priorities. The community (commercial, retail and residents) should be able to help which is what the proposal lays out. It will create some inequity and hardship particularly among some of the elderly and disabled residents. 
• What kind of community and area do we want to live in is the real question?
• There are pros and cons, and no easy answer. Where is Solomon when we need him?

The recording of the meeting runs about 70 minutes.   

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

Full agenda doc -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/edc_agenda_9.6.23.pdf 

Franklin TV Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/live/DLFDj9HEyRU?si=4_o_8sYPiFQqWhLZ&t=105 

My notes taken via Twitter and captured via a single PDF ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rOTVhHzvrppkmJB3HmmyqbJHaq6LTXj7/view?usp=drive_link 

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

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/ or www.franklin.news/

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"