Showing posts with label business. Show all posts
Showing posts with label business. Show all posts

Monday, March 4, 2024

Town Council spends 2 hours and takes "no action" on zoning proposal (audio)

FM #1150 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1150 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares the Town Council meeting held in Council Chambers on Wednesday, February 18, 2024. All 9 members  of the Council participated in the Council Chambers. 


Most of the first 2 hours was spent on a healthy conversation around the proposed zoning change from residential to business for two lots on King St near the Fire station. 


The Council after spending almost 2 hours listening to the proposal (no specific business use was proposed) (the real question was should the lot be residential or business?), the Council decided to take "no action". This move allows them to refer the zoning change back to the Planning Board which while they had a quorum discuss this previously, the recommendation came back with only 3 votes, not the full 5 of the Board (due to the recent election).


Quick recap:

  • Brownie troop 64085 led the pledge as part of the work on the Democracy badge

  • The minutes for the Jan meeting were approved

  • The OPEB financial report was presented and reviewed, we are in a better position than we were previously

  • FY24 Capital Improvement Plan was approved

  • associated transfers to account for the funding approval were also approved

  • The Council voted to support the Pending State Legislation Entitled “The Municipal Empowerment Act”

  • The Revised 2024 Town Council Meeting Schedule was approved

  • Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Dept. ($2,900), Senior Center ($200), Police Dept. ($50)  were approved with thanks

  • Designation of “Special Municipal Employee” Under State Ethics Law were approved for newly create committees not previously covered by this move (housekeeping)

  • Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44, §53F3/4 actually 2 resolutions were approved. If the "empowerment Act noted above becomes law, this kind of approval would disappear from Council agendas

  • Council entered executive session to not return to open meeting for discussion of a matter regarding a real estate purchase

  • Joint Budget SubCmte meeting on March 6 will begin work on how to resolve a $10.5M budget deficit across town and school budgets. Agenda and budget details to be released Friday March 1


The recording runs almost 3 hours. Let’s listen to the Town Council meeting on Feb 28, 2024.  Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1150-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-02-28-24



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The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqa0QHtahmQ 


Town Council agenda doc ->  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_2.28.24.pdf 


My full set of notes captured via Twitter during the meeting are collected in a single PDF for easier reading  ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CBubvtPzSJSvQakhmMx1X7M44cCPu7W_/view?usp=drive_link 


Photos captured during the meeting can be found in one album ->   https://photos.app.goo.gl/sH38Yj6iD5yE6KPQ9


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

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.


If you have interest in reporting on the various Town and School meetings, let me know. Training and mentoring is available.


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"


Brownie troop 64085 led the pledge
Brownie troop 64085 led the pledge

Thursday, February 29, 2024

Town Council spends 2 hours and takes "no action" on zoning proposal (video)

The Franklin (MA) Town Council met as scheduled Wednesday, February 28, 2024. the first 2 hours covered the earlier portions of the meeting and most of the time was spent on a healthy conversation around the proposed zoning change from residential to business for two lots on King St near the Fire station. 

The Council after spending almost 2 hours listening to the proposal (no specific business use proposed) (the real question was should the lot be residential or business?) the Council decided to take "no action". This move allows them to refer  the zoning change back to the Planning Board which while they had a quorum discuss this previously, the recommended was with only 3 votes, not the full 5 of the Board (due to the recent election).

The Franklin TV recording is available -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqa0QHtahmQ


My notes captured during the session via Twitter can be read in one PDF ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CBubvtPzSJSvQakhmMx1X7M44cCPu7W_/view?usp=drive_link

Photos captured during the meeting can be found in one album ->   https://photos.app.goo.gl/sH38Yj6iD5yE6KPQ9

Aside from the zoning discussion:
  • Brownie troop 64085 led the pledge as part of the work on the Democracy badge
  • The minutes for the Jan meeting were approved
  • The OPEB financial report was presented and reviewed, we are in a better position than we were previously
  • FY24 Capital Improvement Plan was approved
    • associated transfers to account for the funding approval were also approved
  • The Council voted to support the Pending State Legislation Entitled “The Municipal Empowerment Act”
  • The Revised 2024 Town Council Meeting Schedule was approved
  • Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Dept. ($2,900), Senior Center ($200), Police Dept. ($50)  were approved with thanks
  • Designation of “Special Municipal Employee” Under State Ethics Law were approved for newly create committees not previously covered by this move (housekeeping)
  • Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44, §53F3/4 actually 2 resolutions were approved. If the "empowerment Act noted above becomes law, this kind of approval would disappear from Council agendas
  • Council entered executive session to not return to open meeting for discussion of a matter regarding a real estate purchase
  • Joint Budget SubCmte meeting on March 6 will begin work on how to resolve a $10.5M budget deficit across town and school budgets. Agenda and budget details to be released Friday March 1


Saturday, January 20, 2024

An Agway Story: Time to move on?

JANUARY 19, 2024 - In a world where you can be anything, be kind

HEY FRIENDS,

Neal and I have had quite a few years! Between multiple deaths of loved ones, births of loved ones and the "Long time that shall not be named" when we were abused by not so appreciative customers, we have decided it is time for us to move on and to construct a different life that will allow us to see our granddaughters and offer us some time to enjoy life again.

TO THAT END we both have found new jobs that we are enjoying and we are officially announcing that we are selling the store. While we don't know what form the store will take in the future we do suspect that it will change.

Online shopping has certainly made things more challenging. We believe the store can be a viable option for someone but the new iteration of the "Franklin Agway" will not have us at the helm.

WE HAVE HAD some great times in the past eight years and met some truly wonderful people. Choosing to work and live in the same community has really given us a deeper understanding of Franklin and it's people. Doing so has allowed us to feel at home. Working to promote farmers and thoughtful stewardship of the earth in our community has really been the most rewarding for us. Our goal has always been to invest time, energy and love into the community in which we live. Between the store and the Town Council we have come to know thousands of our
neighbors! We both are glad we made Franklin our home. 

IF ANYONE HAS an interest in purchasing the business, or knows of someone who might, please reach out to us directly and please don't trouble our employees. We will be honest about the numbers and do not play games.

Peace,
Mel and Neal and the Agway Crew


An Agway Story: Time to move on?
An Agway Story: Time to move on?

Saturday, October 7, 2023

NETA, MA largest medical cannabis operation is based here in Franklin

New England Treatment Access, NTEA, based here in Franklin is the Largest of the Medical Cannabis Companies in Massachusetts via Boston Business Journal.
"Information for this list was obtained from business representatives, and, in some cases, was obtained from data provided by the state's Cannabis Control Commission. That data is subject to change. All employees working in cannabis companies must register as an agent with the state. A single employee can have multiple agent registrations across licenses and locations - which is what the list's ranking metric reflects."
Shared from -> 

Wednesday, September 20, 2023

Dean College Announces New Deans For School Of The Arts And Sanders School Of Business

Dean College is pleased to announce the appointment of Bill Ingram, Ph.D., as the new dean for the Dean Sanders ’47 School of Business and Patsy Collins Bandes as the new dean for the School of the Arts.

Bill Ingram joins Dean from the University of North Texas Dallas, where he was on the faculty since 2016, most recently serving as the assistant dean for the School of Business. He brings 10 years of experience teaching business and hospitality operations at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, as well as over 10 years of professional experience in hotel and restaurant management with Walt Disney World Resort, Loews Hostels and Sky Hotels and Resorts. Ingram holds a Ph.D. in hospitality management from the University of Central Florida and an MBA from the University of North Texas. He is also an alumnus of Texas Tech University, where he earned both a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in restaurant, hotel and institutional management.
Bill Ingram
Bill Ingram

As dean of the Sanders School of Business, Ingram will oversee programs in Athletic Coaching and Recreation Management, Business Management, Communications, Criminal Justice, Criminal Justice and Homeland Security, Marketing, Sport Management and Sports Broadcasting. He is tasked with building the baccalaureate culture and raising the bar for the College’s business programs to stay current with the ever-changing industry.

“My biggest focus is aligning our business programs with what the industry wants and needs, especially in areas of cross concentration, whether that be data analysis, accounting, artificial intelligence or business ethics,” Ingram explained. “I’m also here to create business partnerships locally, maximize the relationships we already have, like with Kraft Sports + Entertainment, and think globally so that our students have opportunities that lead to careers.”

Ingram is also heavily focused on building experiential learning into every area of the Sanders School of Business.

“I want our faculty to be as innovative as possible,” he said. “I want to be able to walk through downtown Franklin and see our students out there working, getting hands-on experience and getting outside of the traditional classroom. The courses they are taking should look very similar to the jobs they’ll be doing once they graduate, so they are prepared for a seamless transition to their careers or graduate work.”

Meanwhile, Patsy Collins Bandes comes to Dean after 18 years with the Boston Conservatory at Berklee. She first joined the Conservatory as the production stage manager in 2004, joined the theatre and dance faculty in 2006, and served as chair of the Conservatory's Theater Division from 2018 to 2022. As an arts administrator and academic leader with a diverse background in the management of theatre production, Collins Bandes has directed, produced and stage-managed productions for a number of companies, including the Boston Conservatory, North Shore Music Theatre, National Theatre Conservatory, Lizard Head Theatre Company, Intermezzo Chamber Opera, Prometheus Dance, Boston Children’s Chorus and Denver Center Theatre Company, which received a 1998 Tony Award for Excellence in Regional Theatre during her tenure. She holds a B.A. in theatre with an emphasis in directing from the University of Northern Colorado and a Master of Liberal Arts with a concentration in dramatic arts from Harvard University Extension School.

Patsy Collins Bandes
Patsy Collins Bandes
 Collins Bandes will oversee the entire School of the Arts at Dean, which includes Bachelor of Arts degree programs in Arts and Entertainment Management, Performance, Production and Design, and Theatre Studies, as well as new Bachelor of Fine Arts degree programs in Acting and Musical Theatre. She aims to build on the school’s foundation of holistic education while increasing the visibility of Dean’s arts programs both locally and nationally, as well as building industry-leading inclusive and diverse curriculum and practices.

“In the first semester, my focus really is getting to know the students and the culture and learning what everybody feels like they love and what they feel could change,” Collins Bandes explained. “Another priority is how we can make our performances, our season and our curriculum culturally aware and as diverse and inclusive as possible and actively engage in anti-racist theatre work. Over the course of the year, we’ll be looking at what is working really well and how we can bring some change into our curriculum and productions.”

To accomplish this, Collins Bandes is taking a holistic approach – not only training students to be artists, but to be citizen artists.

“Every student is a unique human being that has something to offer the world,” she said. “I truly believe that the goal of art is to change the world. By training students to be citizen artists, they can each go out and do so. My responsibility as an arts educator and an arts leader is to help students be a better version of who they are, not strip them down and make them into cookie cutter artists. And what’s great about Dean is that the idea of training the whole student and using a holistic approach is already built into The Dean Difference. It is perfect synergy with my own personal philosophy of how we teach theatre and the arts.”

Saturday, August 26, 2023

Economic Development Subcommittee agrees to proposal on zoning change for 2 lots from Residential to Business (audio)

FM #1046 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1046 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting held on Wednesday, August 23, 2023. 


Chair: M Hamblen, C Frongillo, P Sheridan, G Jones

Town Administration: J Hellen, B Taberner


Brief recap

  • Brief discussion around the proposal to change the zoning of 2 lots on King St near Fire Station 2 from residential to business. 

  • A few questions to clarify the matter considering the process and kind of business operation to be allowed were asked. These are more likely to be better understood/considered during the formal hearing process assuming the measure continues to get referred by the Town Council to the Planning Board. The Planning Board will review and make their recommendation back to the Council which in turn holds their own public hearings before voting on it.

  • One of the nuances on the timeline, by starting now, it could get completed (i.e. a final decision by the Council) before the November election, at which point if it was still in limbo, it would need to start all over.

  • The measure was approved by 4-0 to bring to the Town Council at the next meeting (Sep 6).


The recording runs about 18 minutes, so let’s listen to the Economic Development Subcmte discussion on Aug 23, 2023. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1046-economic-development-subcmte-mtg-08-23-23



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You may access the agenda for this meeting here: https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/edc_agenda_aug_23_2023.pdf 


Shared from ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/economic-development-subcommittee-meeting-august-23rd-2023 


My notes captured via Twitter during the meeting can be found in one PDF ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eVFLdGt46ZwOiBLGURB-X6aeax6QRdU3/view?usp=drive_link 


Franklin TV video replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/oqw7ereD3uI 


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


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"


map showing location of the 2 lots in question on King St
map showing location of the 2 lots in question on King St

Tuesday, August 22, 2023

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting - August 23, 2023 at 5:30 PM

The Economic Development Subcommittee will meet on August 23, 2023 at 5:30 PM.

You may access the agenda and links for the meeting here: https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/edc_agenda_aug_23_2023.pdf

Shared from ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/economic-development-subcommittee-meeting-august-23rd-2023

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The text of the memo in the agenda:

"As you know the Town has been asked to consider rezoning to Business two residentially zoned parcels of land adjacent to the Fire Station on King Street. The Department of Planning & Community Development has developed Zoning Map Amendment 23-901 for the Town Council’s Economic Development Subcommittee’s consideration.

If approved by Town Council, Zoning Map Amendment 23-901 would amend the Town’s existing Zoning Map (Chapter 185, Section 5, of Franklin Town Code) by changing the following parcels from the Single Family Residential III zoning district to the Business zoning district. 

This small zoning map change would allow development of the two parcels for a variety of commercial uses. Uses allowed by right include: nursery, greenhouse or garden center; restaurant; other retail sales and services; office uses including banks/credit unions, medical/dental, and other professional or administrative uses; business incubator or co-working space; artisanal and craft maker space; art gallery.

Uses that may be allowed by Planning Board special permit include: motor vehicle, boat, farm implement sales (without repair service); filling or service station; vehicular service establishment; function hall or catering; hotel or motel; brewery, distillery, or winery production with tasting room.

Uses that may be allowed by Zoning Board of Appeals special permit include: animal hospital, kennel, day care, training, or grooming.

Attachments 2 through 8 (Use Regulations Schedules Parts I through 7) of the Town's Zoning Bylaw (Chapter 185 of Franklin Town Code) contain a complete list of uses that are allowed by right or may be allowed by Zoning Board of Appeals or Planning Board special permit in the Business Zoning District.

Attached are the following:
  • Bylaw Zoning Amendment 23-901; and
  • A diagram with two maps: one showing the current zoning in the area, and one showing
  • proposed Zoning Map changes.
If the Economic Development Subcommittee supports the proposed zoning map amendment, the issue should be scheduled for a Town Council meeting in the near future for further consideration. Please let me know if you have questions or require additional information."

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting - August 23, 2023 at 5:30 PM
Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting - August 23, 2023 at 5:30 PM

Thursday, May 25, 2023

Franklin Public Schools Business Administrator Miriam Goodman Awarded a 2023 Friends of MASBO Award.

Superintendent Lucas Giguere is proud to announce that on May 18th, 2023 during the Massachusetts Association of School Business Officials (MASBO) Annual Institute conference, Franklin Public Schools School Business Administrator Miriam Goodman was bestowed a 2023 Friends of MASBO award. 

The Friends of MASBO award is given in recognition of individuals who have met one or more of the following criteria:

  1. Have made a significant contribution (including but not limited to pro-active involvement in the legislative process, the creation of a model program/procedure, the establishment of an exemplary standard or practice) that facilitated a process by which school business officials contribute to educating students in their districts;
  2. Have consistently, and on a long-term basis, provided significant assistance to MASBO in the implementation of its various functions and responsibilities; and/or
  3. Have provided assistance to MASBO in a way that exceeds expectations.

Superintendent Lucas Giguere and former Franklin Public School Superintendent Dr. Sara Ahern co-endorsed Goodman for the award, stating that "Miriam's expertise and collaborative approach has led the district into a new era of enhanced transparency of the Franklin School Budget with the development of an extensive, engaging (student-centered) budget book while developing the story of school funding in Franklin, so that stakeholders can better understand past trends and future needs in a clear and compelling way."

Notable moments in Goodman's tenure have included her support in transitioning school business operations amid the COVID-19 pandemic; including setting up grab and go meals in collaboration with our Food Services department, appropriately applying COVID-19 relief funds in an impactful way, as well as managing transportation services, providing insight during a redistricting analysis process. 

After 15 years of dedicated service to the district and longstanding involvement with MASBO, the timing of this acknowledgment coincidentally concludes Goodman's career, as she is set to retire at the end of the 2022-2023 school year. Upon reflection, Franklin School Committee Chair Denise Spencer notes how "Miriam has truly blessed our district with her dedication, knowledge, work ethic, business finance savvy, friendship and sense of humor. She has always looked out for the best interest of Franklin Public School students and staff. We are grateful for the positive impact she has had in our district, and we will miss her." 


Shared from -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/news/franklin-public-schools-business-administrator-miriam-goodman-awarded-2023-friends

Franklin Public Schools Business Administrator Miriam Goodman Awarded a 2023 Friends of MASBO Award.
Franklin Public Schools Business Administrator Miriam Goodman Awarded a 2023 Friends of MASBO Award.


Thursday, May 11, 2023

Special School Committee Meeting - May 16, 2023 at 6:30 PM

Special School Committee Meeting

May 16, 2023 at 6:30 PM

Municipal Building - Council Chambers

Agenda
Call to Order            Ms. Spencer 
I. Candidate for Interim School Business Administrator Interview 
II. Deliberation on Candidate for Interim School Business Administrator 
Adjournment

Note: It has been quite a while since this circumstance has arisen but in addition to hiring the Superintendent, the School Committee is also responsible for hiring the School Business Administrator. Hence as previewed in the School Committee meeting Tuesday, May 9, this set is set up for the discussion and candidate review for the interim position.
How long has it been? Actually since 2008. In March of 2008, Miriam Goodman, who is setting to retire was interviewed and hired. 
The 14 questions (2 per school committee member, 7 members) asked of the candidates at that time are still in the top 10 search results ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2008/03/school-business-administrator-interview.html
 
good message on Parmenter Elementary school sign
good message on Parmenter Elementary school sign

Friday, August 19, 2022

Maybe there is something in the Market Study for your business or prospective business?

In July 2020, the Metropolitan Area Planning Council released their Market Study for Franklin. At least one potential business read this study, determined that the numbers confirmed they had a market here in Franklin, and they are indeed open and operating here.

Maybe there is something in this report that could help your business or prospective business?

The report itself

The discussion and presentation at the Economic Development subcommittee meeting (audio)

The discussion and presentation at the Town Council meeting (audio)
 

Thursday, August 4, 2022

Workplace Safety Grants of up to $25k available for businesses

"The DIA is offering Workplace Safety Grants of up to $25k to MA based businesses seeking to prevent or reduce workplace injuries. Employers covered by MA Workers’ Comp. Law may qualify. Email safety@mass.gov to start the application process. #SafetyGrantsMA"

More info online at https://www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-industrial-accidents

Shared via Twitter -> https://twitter.com/MassLWD/status/1554452462639190022 

Workplace Safety Grants of up to $25k available for businesses
Workplace Safety Grants of up to $25k available for businesses

Friday, April 15, 2022

Economic Development Subcommittee moves parking fee changes and restrictions forward to Council

FM #776 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 776 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting held on Wednesday, April 13, 2022 in the 3rd Floor Training Room.  


Quick recap:

  • Two items on the agenda, first up - parking update for the East/West & Nason Sts area; Chief Lynch and Lt Riley provided updates on parking pattern and parking fee structure in comparison to some neighboring communities, draft presented for review in agenda doc. Key discussion from community and councilors was around what amount would change the behavior of the students without creating a negative impact on businesses and residents. Ultimately passed for consideration by full council amending overtime violation to be set at $35

  • Second item - changing the hours of parking zone, and setting no overnight parking, attempting to keep vehicles in movement creating space for others to use, running out of time (due to first issue) but this moved to the Council for additional discussion as well.



The recording of the meeting runs just over an hour.   Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-776-economic-development-subcmte-mtg-04-13-22



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


Meeting agenda doc -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2022-04-13_edc_agenda_packet_0.pdf 


My notes captured via Twitter 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dJ1cfHPu9_ev2IYBa8Rj1nyRad0sDj89/view?usp=sharing 


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


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"

 

Economic Development Subcommittee moves parking fee changes and restrictions forward to Council
Economic Development Subcommittee moves parking fee changes and restrictions forward to Council