Showing posts with label rubbish rate. Show all posts
Showing posts with label rubbish rate. Show all posts

Thursday, April 16, 2020

Town Council - Twitter notes recap - April 15, 2020



  • Town Council meeting about to begin, getting the last Councilors connected
  • Real time reporting underway for Town Council meeting
  • Council Chair Tom Mercer lays out the process of talking through the chair, he will take each councilor in order to provide time for speaking, all votes via roll call
  • Minutes of the Feb 12 meeting were approved via roll call with 8 for, 1 abstain (Hamblen as she did not participate). So 8-0-1 should be the record
  • Minutes of Mar 19 approved as amended, adding Pellegri to attended list; vote was 9-0
  • Public hearing on zoning bylaw plot lot changes conducted, hearing opened and closed; Bissanti abstained from discussion
  • Question on Dean personnel to be Tip certified, even with Sodexo providing the service, this may also require Dean manager of record to be certified. #tc0415 bylaw does require this
  • Events could happen in different spots within the Campus center, question on could they set up a regular bar? Not what they are asking for, but possible.
  • Not meant to be a publicly accessible event, management agreement should include that explicit restriction to Dean students and related events ... #tc0415 likely to come back for further discussion around the agreement and restriction
  • Motion to continue license discussion to the may 6 meeting passed 7-2, Chandler and Earl's voted no. Town and Dean to work on agreement or restriction to license to meet points of discussion tonight
  • Franklin TV list internet connection so broadcast is interrupted until they recover. My backup recording is still working here at my site (as well as within Zoom)
  • TA Jamie Hellen providing update on COVID-19, in state of emergency for 35 days, testing has increased, infected and fatalities have increased as well, billing adjusted per local option today
  • No deaths reported to TA associated with COVID-19, need to get the State to change the data process and reporting to be more complete as noted
  • Certain departments and specific individuals get access for specific purposes and set times to ensure paper continues to process where it can't be done virtually
  • Earth day likely still to be held clearly differently than previously, stay tuned for updates and details.
  • Councilor asking for a target date to work toward, missing (I think) the town is planning the steps for which it can be executed when the date is set/agreed to - currently it is May 4
  • SNETT trail is on schedule for prospect St construction beginning May, Lincoln St underway, town by Town data to be released weekly, the #s are not a complete picture of the status, 37 cases shown today, 13 as of last weekend were recovered
  • Councilor comments on Jamie's update taking long time, some speculation, some politics creeping in to the discussion
  • Next up, the Community Preservation act, getting it back for discussion; only cost for it on Nov election would be the cost of the additional ballot itself. #tc0415 get it on the ballot for the voters to decide
  • CPA to come back with likely 3% as the amount for the May 6 meeting for approval to out it on the November ballot. Councilors concerned with timing (not good now) but need to be careful to avoid advocacy on this measure
  • Moving to legislation, first up - the zoning plot line cleanup, Bissanti recused himself, due to roll call clerk required to read full text of legislation, will slow the process down but it is what it is
  • Motion to move to second reading, passed 8-0-1 (Bissanti recused, 8 for, none against) ( zoning plot line cleanup measure was part of hearing earlier in meeting)
  • Maple St Bellingham solar agreement up for discussion, good news as this means additional money coming in, two other agreements likely to be completed before end of April, #tc0415. Vote 9-0 for
  • Trash/recycling rate gets first approval to raise to $278/year effective July 1. Vote was 8-1 for,
  • Chandler no
  • Motion to adjourn, passed 9-0



https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/status/1250561133288861697?s=20
https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/status/1250562628256256001?s=20
https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/status/1250561736819777537?s=20
https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/status/1250564294510592000?s=20
https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/status/1250564612774338561?s=20
https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/status/1250565229714591750?s=20
https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/status/1250566387027845123?s=20
https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/status/1250569743007985670?s=20
https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/status/1250571795406692353?s=20
https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/status/1250573916873150466?s=20
https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/status/1250575564764831745?s=20
https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/status/1250579027317981185?s=20
https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/status/1250576431123517441?s=20
https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/status/1250577929052053507?s=20
https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/status/1250580963920404481?s=20
https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/status/1250580459987308546?s=20
https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/status/1250589807060881411?s=20
https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/status/1250577521197953024?s=20
https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/status/1250584656870879232?s=20
https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/status/1250598719470305295?s=20
https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/status/1250594097108312070?s=20
https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/status/1250597509610844165?s=20
https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/status/1250599734433087488?s=20
https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/status/1250604890012909568?s=20
https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/status/1250609684827996161?s=20

screengrab during Dean discussion
screengrab during Dean discussion

screengrab during plot lines public hearing
screengrab during plot lines public hearing

Tuesday, April 14, 2020

Trash and Recycling Fee Increase - Proposal - First Reading

From the Town Council agenda document for Wednesday, April 15, 2020:


10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

Bylaw Amendment 20-857: Chapter 82, Trash and Recycling Fee Increase - First Reading (Motion to move Bylaw Amendment 20-857 to a second reading - Majority Vote)

 
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/20-857_municipal_service_fees_-_trash.pdf




Trash and Recycling Fee Increase - Proposal - First Reading
Trash and Recycling Fee Increase - Proposal - First Reading

The full agenda can be found on the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/april-15-town-council-agenda-remote-meeting

The agenda can also be found in one LARGE PDF file (~59MB - can take time to download)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/04-15-2020_town_council_meeting_agenda.pdf


This was forecast in January. Readers may recall my "Watch List' for 2020
https://www.franklinmatters.org/search?q=%22watch+list%27%2C+2020


Exhibit one: the Town Council's proposed 'goals and objectives' doc fortunately captures most of these in the first Fiscal section:
Fiscal

● Approval of Annual Capital Improvement Plan -- FY20 and FY21
● Approval of a balanced Operating Budget -- FY21 and FY22
o Closely monitor expected budget shortfalls in both FY21 and FY22
● Establish Ad Hoc Subcommittee to evaluate storm water fee analysis
o Present analysis to the full Council
 Determine Water rate increase for FY20/FY21, notably for the water treatment plant and wells loan package
 Determine Sewer rate increase, if needed, for FY20/FY21
● Seek new borrowing capacity for municipal and school building capital improvements and sidewalks
● Discussion on the Community Preservation Act
 Discussion on Trash & Recycling account
● Continue to ask for OPEB solutions with state officials
● Explore new revenue options, generally

 https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/01/franklin-issue-on-2020-watch-list_6.html

Sunday, April 12, 2020

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - April 15, 2020

Agenda 
Meeting Date: April 15, 2020

A NOTE TO RESIDENTS: Due to the growing concerns regarding the COVID-19 virus, we will be conducting a remote/virtual Town Council Meeting. In an effort to ensure citizen engagement and comply with open meeting law regulations, citizens will be able to dial into the meeting using the provided phone number (Cell phone or Landline Required) OR citizens can participate by clicking on the attached link (Phone, Computer, or Tablet required). The attached link and phone number will be active for the duration of the meeting for citizens to ask questions/voice concerns.

Link to access meeting: April 15, 2020 Town Council Meeting Link 
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/april-15-town-council-agenda-remote-meeting (Editors Note: the link should be password protected for the safety of all participants and to ensure the uninterrupted conduct of business; as it is not (yet), you'll need to go to the Town of Franklin page to access the link)
 -- Then click “Open Zoom” 

Call-In Phone Number: Call 1-929-205-6099 and enter Meeting ID # 701 131 488


1. ANNOUNCEMENTS
a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast Channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS
a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a. March 19, 2020
b. February 12, 2020

4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
- None Scheduled

5. APPOINTMENTS
- None Scheduled

6. HEARINGS - 7:10 PM
a. Zoning Map Changes on or Near Pleasant, Chestnut, and Brook Streets

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
a. Dean College: New Section 12 All Alcoholic Beverages License, Located at 135 Emmons Street, Franklin, MA.
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/license_transaction_-_dean_college_-_all_alcohol.pdf

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
a. Coronavirus Updates
b. Community Preservation Act (CPA)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/community_preservation_act_cpa_discussion_-_04-15-2020.pdf

9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
b. Budget Subcommittee
c. Economic Development Subcommittee

10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-853: Zoning Map Changes on or Near Pleasant, Chestnut, and Brook Streets - First Reading (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-853 to a second reading - Majority Vote)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/20-853_zoning_bylaw_amendment_-_pleasant_chestnut_brook_0.pdf

10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

Resolution 20-19: Solar Authorization - Maple Street Bellingham (Motion to approve Resolution 20-19 - Majority Vote)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/solar_pilot_agreement_-_main_street_solar_1_llc_-_ta_authorization.pdf

10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

Bylaw Amendment 20-857: Chapter 82, Trash and Recycling Fee Increase - First Reading (Motion to move Bylaw Amendment 20-857 to a second reading - Majority Vote)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/20-857_municipal_service_fees_-_trash.pdf

11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
13. COUNCIL COMMENTS
14. EXECUTIVE SESSION
- None Scheduled

ADJOURN

Note:
Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting


The full agenda can be found on the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/april-15-town-council-agenda-remote-meeting

The agenda can also be found in one LARGE PDF file (~59MB - can take time to download)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/04-15-2020_town_council_meeting_agenda.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - April 15, 2020
Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - April 15, 2020

Saturday, June 22, 2019

"Where does your plastic go? Global investigation reveals America's dirty secret"

The Franklin trash rate is scheduled to increase July 1 to $248 per year. The primary reason for the increase is that the cost benefits of recycling are gone for now with the international market changes outlined in the Guardian article. Will there be a return to 'making money' o our recycling instead of paying for it go be taken care of? Hard to say.

A Guardian report from 11 countries tracks how US waste makes its way across the world – and overwhelms the poorest nations:
"What happens to your plastic after you drop it in a recycling bin? 
According to promotional materials from America’s plastics industry, it is whisked off to a factory where it is seamlessly transformed into something new. 
This is not the experience of Nguyễn Thị Hồng Thắm, a 60-year-old Vietnamese mother of seven, living amid piles of grimy American plastic on the outskirts of Hanoi. Outside her home, the sun beats down on a Cheetos bag; aisle markers from a Walmart store; and a plastic bag from ShopRite, a chain of supermarkets in New Jersey, bearing a message urging people to recycle it."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/jun/17/recycled-plastic-america-global-crisis

"Where does your plastic go? Global investigation reveals America's dirty secret" (Guardian photo)
"Where does your plastic go? Global investigation reveals America's dirty secret" (Guardian photo)

Town Council Actions Taken to raise rate
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/town_council_actions_taken_for_april_10_2019.pdf

The Franklin trash rate is scheduled to increase July 1 to $248 per year
The Franklin trash rate is scheduled to increase July 1 to $248 per year

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Other Action Items (audio)

From the Franklin Town Council meeting 4/30/08, acceptence of $5,000 from the Friends of Franklin Public Library, discussion and vote on veterans benefits, discussion and move to second reading the utility rate change

Time: 6 minutes, 42 seconds



MP3 File

Thursday, April 3, 2008

In the News - Water, Sewer, Rubbish rates; new development

Water, rubbish rates may rise in Franklin

By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

Water rates and rubbish fees may be going up, while sewer rates could go down, if the Town Council goes along with a proposal by Town Administrator Jeffrey D. Nutting.

Nutting requested councilors raise trash fees $12 a year to cover a potential shortfall and to rebuild the trash reserve account that dropped below $100,000 to $61,000 this year.


Read the full article here

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

Developer reviewing cost for office park

An eight-building commercial development on land near the Bellingham line, involving a major extension and paving project for Spring Street, could start before summer - if the developer decides he can afford it, and Franklin officials approve the final plans, and the project meets state environmental measures.

Developer Paul Maggiore has proposed constructing the eight buildings on a 53.4-acre property off Spring Street, south of Route 140 and near the Forge Park industrial complex.

Read the full article in the Boston Globe here