The Tax Increment Finance (TIF) agreement for Cole Chain was approved. This is a growing company looking to relocate to the Forge Hill Industrial Park. Franklin was able to make this happen in about 3 weeks. This is due to the work already done before hand by the town functional groups to coordinate the TIF process.
During the recent reconstruction of the Lewis and Crocker Sts, it was discovered that there were 8 houses that still owned part of Lewis St. The owners signed over the rights to the middle of the road so that Franklin could officially take ownership of the and thereby cover themselves for the roadwork already underway.
There was a presentation by the Library Building Committee who came forward with the more detailed plans for the renovation and addition to the Library. The price almost doubled to 11.5M. The other interesting news was the decision to shut the building and temporarily operate the library services from some other site to be determined for one year. If the decision was not to shut, the construction would have been messier getting around the vehicles and taken 18-24 months. Shutting the building allows the construction to speed up and complete in the one year time frame.
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| screen grab of the presentation showing the new Library at night |
As Franklin has some debt capacity within the operating budget, there is no increase planned for the tax rate (other than the normal 'automatic' 2.5%). Franklin can effectively self-fund the work for the library as they have for the building of the downtown fire station, the Senior center, the Historical Museum, etc.
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| Deborah Pellegri and Andrew Dowd |
The recognition of Town Clerk Deborah Pellegri's retirement brought forth commendations from many parties. The listing is contained in the detailed notes reported live during the meeting.
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| Deborah Pellegri and Rep Jeff Roy |
Steve Williams was also recognized for his service with proclamations from the MA House and Senate. He is not running for re-election to the Town Council.
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| Senator Karen Spilka, Steve Williams, Rep Jeff Roy |
For additional details on the meeting as reported live from the room check these links
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