This session of the radio show shares the Community Preservation Committee meeting held in the Council Chambers on Monday, May 5, 2025. All nine members of the committee were present in Council Chambers.

Quick Recap -> 

• No live broadcast of the Community Preservation committee meeting tonight. The meeting is being recorded and will be set for broadcast later
• Minutes approved for August 20, 2024 and December 18, 2024 (approved as amended, some minor updates on who the members were at the time)
• Citizen comment; request for pickleball courts, already planned for the King St Park renovation, lights on the fields are out for bid, and courts are possible for phase 2, likely coming before the CPC in the fall to approve funding for additional pickleball courts
• 5 year anniversary of CPA in Franklin coming in the fall. Yes, really. Time flies  Committee will need to discuss how to utilize the discretionary funding, potentially use more by category or continue to save for future use 
• Motion to approve the funding resolution - FY26 Budget Approval - Resolution 25-25 Moved, second, passes 9-0 
• Jamie talks to the current projects proposals

FY26 Project Slate - Resolution 25-26 

i. Schmidt Farm Debt/Interest - $323,750

ii. Maple Hill Debt/Interest - $252,818

iii. School Playgrounds (Redistricting) - $181,623

iv. Open Space & Recreation Plan Supplement - $14,600

v. Sports Fields Wall Padding Replacement - $40,000

vi. Repair 1949 Fire Engine - $20,000

vii. Library Historic Hall Repairs - $80,000

Motion to approve, second, passes 9-0

• FY26 Project - Resolution 25-27 - Franklin United Methodist Church - $105,245
• Rev Jacob here to talk to the details with Tricia Prewitt
• CPA funding has been used for historical renovations of church facilities Discussion on the "anti aid" amendment
• Three tests generally; iconic?, no use of funds for 'maintenance', substance of uniqueness?
• Would require a preservation restriction. Town did this for the Old South Meeting House/Habitat for Humanity project recently, it was 'easy' compared to this potential project

5 minutes break per chair, Ready to resume Meeting opens

• Franklin United Methodist Church discussion resumes
• Previously presented May 2024
• Additional research completed since that time, identification of the role that the church has placed. Thanks to Rowan and Vicki for their research assistance
• CPA flow chart on determining use of funds for historic preservation https://www.communitypreservation.org/sites/g/files/vyhlif4646/f/uploads/cpa_historic_flowchart_2025.pdf 
• Adjustments to proposal by removing the cross restoration from the scope and total reducing cost request, Funds will only be used for preservation of the exterior of the building 
• Interesting that the community participation is more in the church building than the congregation does (respectfully)
• Motion to approve proposal as revised, Vote via roll call passes 9-0
• Next to set a date; Oct 21 an off school committee mtg 
• Chair requests Town to look into Housing Authority for use of preservation funds
• Motion to adjourn, second, passes 9-0

The recording runs about 75 minutes, so let’s listen in.

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Community Preservation Cmte page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/501/Community-Preservation-Committee 

Agenda doc and released materials https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05052025-1717 

My notes in one PDF file -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WdsqZK2kBSiWBcNqQPl_XM2UW4roPZEX/view?usp=drive_link 

Franklin TV video not yet available 

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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!

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