Showing posts with label building. Show all posts
Showing posts with label building. Show all posts

Friday, April 5, 2019

Thursday, March 14, 2019

Charter School building updates

The BFCCPS Charter School has been one of the topics of conversation at the School Committee and Town Council meetings this week. The financial forecast for this year and next year's budget is not good and coming up with additional funding (yes, an override option was mentioned) is part of the discussion.

The Charter School was one of the topics due to the State funding formula which would re-allocate additional money from the FPS school budget as BFCCPS expands this September. 98 additional students from Franklin are reported to have won a lottery to attend the new school as it opens in Sep, unfortunately also taking funds from Franklin per the State formula.

This topic was also raised with Franklin's legislative delegates during the School Committee Legislative Forum in February. There is talk of changes to the formula but when and if that happens this year is unknown.

Stay tuned to the budget discussion. The Finance Committee budget hearings open Mar 18, Mar 19, Mar 25, and Mar 26.

From the BFCCPS web page:
"We visited the site on Friday March 1st and have lots of new photos to share. You will see lots of interior progress since our last two weeks ago. We will continue to share updates on the building every other week moving forward."
exterior view of the new facility under construction for BFCCPS  and scheduled to open in Sep 2019 (BFCCPS photo)
exterior view of the new facility under construction for BFCCPS
and scheduled to open in Sep 2019 (BFCCPS photo)
Find additional photos and updates from BFCCPS on their web page
http://bfccps.org/march-1st-expansion-update/

Wednesday, May 16, 2018

Charter School Expansion Update (video)

From the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School blog we share this update and video:

"We are incredibly excited to share a new update on the BFCCPS Expansion. Our construction manager CTA has made fantastic process with respect to the site-work. In particular there has been dramatic progress with respect to drainage, building the roadway and parking lot. The foundation forms are arriving and we anticipate that digging will begin towards the middle of this week!

We invite you to view the most recent drone footage from the site which was taken on May 10th:"



Find the full article here
http://bfccps.org/may-expansion-update/?doing_wp_cron=1526377425.1590619087219238281250

Friendly reminder of the fund raising Community Yard Sale and Vendor Fair on June 2
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/05/community-yard-sale-and-vendor-fair.html
Community Yard Sale and Vendor Fair - June 2
Community Yard Sale and Vendor Fair - June 2

Tuesday, May 15, 2018

Attention Residents: Building/Zoning/Planning/Conservation/Board of Health Departments will be closed Wednesday, May 16th at 4:30 PM until Monday May 21

The Building, Zoning, Planning, Conservation and Board of Health Departments will be closing Wednesday at 4:30 PM for renovations and will reopen Monday, May 21 at 8 AM.

We are sorry for any inconvenience.

Building/Zoning/Planning/Conservation/Board of Health Departments will be closed Wednesday, May 16th at 4:30 PM until Monday May 21
Building/Zoning/Planning/Conservation/Board of Health Departments will be closed
Wednesday, May 16 at 4:30 PM until Monday May 21

Wednesday, March 21, 2018

BFCCPS March Expansion Update

"Dear BFCCPS Community, 
We are thrilled to share that site work has begun at the location of the new BFCCPS facility, and we are on track to meet our Fall 2019 open. 
We have begun to plan our fundraising efforts for two playgrounds and a gymnasium. We are in need of motivated and interested individuals who have the time to be part of this process. If you are interested please contact the President of the Benjamin Franklin Educational Foundation, Don Tappin. 
The Benjamin Franklin Educational Foundation (BFEF) is a registered 501(c)(3) which supports the schools mission. As the owners of the property at 500 Financial Park Drive the BFEF will oversee fundraising activities to support the development of the property. 
Please also save the date for the morning of April 7th for a Community kickoff for families to get a more thorough update on the expansion, have a opportunity to view the layout for the new facility, and learn more about the BFEF. More details on this to come soon. 
With excitement and appreciation,
The Benjamin Franklin Educational Foundation"

BFCCPS March Expansion Update
BFCCPS March Expansion Update
This was shared from the BFCCPS webpage
http://bfccps.org/march-expansion-update/?doing_wp_cron=1521624154.1048209667205810546875

Saturday, November 18, 2017

"The question is where would the money come from?"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"When it comes to funding for school building projects in Massachusetts, supply can’t keep up with demand. 
“My saddest day of the year is when I say these are the 15-20 projects we can do, and the funding isn’t there for the others,” said Jack McCarthy, executive director of the Massachusetts School Building Authority. 
Created by the Legislature in 2004, the MSBA oversees state funding for capital improvement projects and construction at public schools across the Commonwealth. It provides partial reimbursements to the school districts based on the project type and a series of economic indicators. Each year, it gets more than 80 applications from school districts, but has to turn away more than three-quarters of them due to a cap on funds. 
While the majority of school buildings in Massachusetts are in good shape, a recent MSBA survey found that 270 – nearly one in five of the 1,419 schools analyzed – need moderate-to-extensive renovation or replacement, or will in the near future. The analysis didn’t include schools built or renovated since 2007, or those that have already been approved for renovation or construction."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171117/survey-identifies-massachusetts-school-buildings-in-need


You can find the full MSBA 2016 School Survey report on the MSBA page
http://www.massschoolbuildings.org/sites/default/files/edit-contentfiles/Programs/School%20Survey/2016/MSBA%202016%20Survey%20Report_102417-FINAL.pdf#Statewide School Facilities & Findings

Or the Franklin Matters copy




Franklin's survey results are found on Page 65 of the official PDF report
Franklin's survey results are found on Page 65 of the official PDF report

* Note - Schools that have an asterisk were not surveyed. Information regarding square footage may require future update.


Friday, October 13, 2017

Community Garden - Build Day - Sunday, Oct 15

The pre-build day was successful last Saturday. All the lumber was cut to the lengths required for further assembly.

We need gardeners and volunteers to participate in Build Day, Sunday, October 15 from 9 to finish. 

If you have teens you want to bring along, who would benefit from Community Service, please bring them along! 

Again, please reply to bonnie.kaiden@gmail.com.

Please remember to bring battery power tools. A generator will be on-site for re-charging tools.

Remember to wear work clothes and work shoes, boots or similar footwear.

Morning Refreshments will be served!

Thank you! We look forward to a successful Build Day!

Your Franklin Community Gardens Committee

assembly of the new garden beds
assembly of the new garden beds

assembly of the new garden beds 1
assembly of the new garden beds 1


Monday, February 20, 2017

Town offices and Library closed Monday, Schools closed all week

Town Offices and the Public Library are closed for the President's Day holiday, Monday, Feb 20

Schools are closed for February vacation all week.


Franklin Public Library closed on President's Day, Feb 20
Franklin Public Library closed on President's Day, Feb 20

Town Offices are closed for the President's Day
Town Offices are closed for the President's Day
Parmenter School announces February vacation
Parmenter School announces February vacation

Davis Thayer School announces February vacation
Davis Thayer School announces February vacation

Saturday, December 31, 2016

Annual Report 2016: Building Inspection

The Building Inspection Department is a multifunction office responsible for the construction, demolition, alteration, repair and occupancy of all residential, commercial, business and industrial uses for both existing and new construction in accordance with the Massachusetts Building Code. 

The department is responsible for the administration, interpretation and enforcement of the following codes:

  • Massachusetts State Building Code - 780  CMR
  • Town of Franklin Code - Zoning – CH 185
  • Mass. Electrical Code – 527 CMR
  • Mass. Plumbing and Gas Code – 248 CMR
  • National Fuel Gas Code – NFPA 54-2002
  • Sealer of Weights and Measure – G.L. CH 98
  • Architectural Access Board – 521 CMR


Hours of Operation
The Building Inspection Department’s hours are Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday 8:00a.m.-4:00p.m., Wednesday 8:00a.m.-6:00p.m. and Friday 8:00a.m.-
1:00p.m.

For your convenience, you may visit our website at www.franklin.ma.us/inspections. This site contains a series of forms easily accessible and available to download. The website provides permit applications, sample plot plans, sign regulations, swimming pool instruction manuals. Shed/barn instruction manuals, zoning criteria and other information necessary to process a permit or to simply provide information to the public.

Building Department Staff
Building Commissioner/Zoning Officer:
Lloyd Brown

Inspectors:
Inspector of Wires: Bernard Mullaney
Asst Wiring Inspector: James Laughlin
Plumbing/Gas Inspector: Richard Cornetta
Asst Plumb/Gas Inspector: Richard McCormick
Local Building Inspector: Stephen O’Neill
Sealer of Weights & Measurers
Comm. of Mass. /Div. of Standards

Staff Assistants
Barbara J. Curran
Nancy Danello/Zoning
Judy Demers

Lloyd Brown, Commissioner of Buildings, is responsible for all construction trade inspectors,municipal maintenance and supervision of all construction, zoning interpretation and determination,pre-planning and review of all subdivisions and proposed construction and improvements and general input for all other municipal departments and construction-related inquiries.

I would like to thank Nancy Danello our ZBA and Permit Clerk. Nancy accepted the position of Assistant Town Clerk in January of this year. Nancy will shine in this new position, be assured of that. Casey Thayer was hired to fill that vacant position. Casey has shown that she has what it takes to run all aspects of the Building and ZBA Clerk duties.

Building Permits
This year the Building Department issued a total of 1670 building permits and the revenues collected totaled $699,133.00

The following is a breakdown of the past years building permit activity:

  • Single Family Residence 40
  • Attached Senior Units 0
  • Commercial Building 4
  • Solar Panels 165
  • Accessory Dwelling Units 5
  • Addition(s) 32
  • Alteration(s) 1090
  • Amended Permit(s) 0
  • Deck 80
  • Swimming Pool(s) 29
  • Garage(s) 14
  • Shed(s) 4
  • Foundation(s) Only 0
  • Demolition(s) 9
  • Tent(s) 12
  • Sign(s) 53
  • Woodstove(s) 22
  • Carnival(s) 2
  • Fence 0
  • Earth Removal 0
  • Repair(s) Rehab 11
  • Sheet Metal 87


Certificates of Inspection
Inspection and certification of specified use groups shall be inspected annually in accordance with Table 110 of the Massachusetts State Building Code. This year the staff issued 137 certificates of inspection and the fees collected for the certifications amounted to $25,880.00. Certificates are issued for all public and private schools, churches, day care centers, nursing homes, funeral homes, bleachers, restaurants, alcoholic beverage establishments, multifamily dwellings (3or more units), movie theaters and other places of assembly. The Fire Department has assisted our department in assuring compliance with the Fire Prevention Code. The purpose of these inspections is to ensure the public safety and well being of the general public.

Certificates of Occupancy
The Building Inspection Department issues a certificate of occupancy in accordance with the Massachusetts State Building Code. All buildings/structures shall not be used or occupied in whole or part until a certificate of occupancy is issued. This department has issued a total of 86 certificates of occupancy and the total fees collected amounted to $5,850.00

Electrical Permits
The total number of electrical permits issued was 1276, the total fees collected and deposited amounted to $124,635.00.

Plumbing Permits
The total number of plumbing permits issued was 661, the total fees collected and deposited amounted to $65,986.00.

Gas Permits
The total number of gas permits issued was 830 and the total fees collected and deposited amounted to $47,171.00

Vacant Property Registration
The State of Massachusetts has created the Abandoned Housing Initiative, this program has helped by using measures to appoint receivers to repair and then auction the vacant properties. The Town of Franklin still requires the registration of vacant properties. The total number of permits issued was 38 and the total fees collected and deposited amounted to $1520.00

Division of Weights and Standards
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulations, Division of Standards provides this service on behalf of the Town of Franklin. The Department of Weights and Measures is responsible for providing the services of testing, adjusting, sealing and handling all complaints regarding commercial weighing and measuring devices within the Town of Franklin. The department investigates consumer complaints regarding unit pricing laws; spot-checking prepackaged items for compliance with all weights and measures laws. Inspections were conducted by the State and the total fees collected and deposited amounted to $9,433.00

Total Revenues Collected: $979,608.00

Respectfully submitted,

Lloyd Brown
Commissioner of Buildings

Horace Mann Square - under construction on Emmons St
Horace Mann Square - under construction on Emmons St


Download and read the full Annual Report for the Town of Franklin FY 2016

Prior year annual reports can be found
http://www.franklinma.gov/administrator/pages/annual-reports

Thursday, October 6, 2016

Present permitting for Residential Ground-Mounted Solar Photovoltaic System installations are issued under zoning guidelines for garden sheds?

A copy of the Citizens Comment made to the Town Council meeting on Wednesday, Oct 5 was obtained after the meeting and shared here:


Dear Council Members and Officials,

Solar Photovoltaic Systems and other sustainability based energy solution are key components of our future. However, their installation and placement needs to be carefully managed for safety and the community characteristics Franklin offers its residents.

Present permitting for Residential Ground-Mounted Solar Photovoltaic System installations are issued under zoning guidelines for garden sheds? This according to my conversations with Building Commissioner- Lloyd Brown, when discussing a 40-Solar Panel Ground Mounted installation at 42 Prospect Street. The installation is on the side lot of 42 Prospect Street, Franklin's first designated scenic road, the lot borders my property. Under the garden shed guidelines no screening from the road is required nor protective fencing is necessary for safety to shield children and others from accessing the energized electrical components.
completed installation
completed installation

The 40-Solar Panel Ground Mounted installation at 42 Prospect Street was complete weeks ago and signed-off by the inspections and building department. Now all of a sudden the panels were removed, stacked neatly and modifications are being made? Possibly to add more panels? I have contacted the inspections and building department who indicated no work should be taking place but the work continues?

left: rework underway; right: before installation
left: rework underway; right: before installation

I urge the council, zoning board and town officials to consider specific zoning and permitting guidelines for Residential Ground-Mounted Solar Photovoltaic Systems that include; Solar panel quantity limitations, screening and setback requirements from roads and adjoining properties along with safety measures to protect children and others from accessing the electrified components.

I also encourage each of you to visit the 42 Prospect Street installation to understand the full impact undefined Residential Ground-Mounted Solar Photovoltaic Systems permitting guidelines are having on our community.

Sincerely,

Michael Swetz

Sunday, September 11, 2016

Update on the BFCCPS expansion

Dear BFCCPS Community,

We wanted to provide an update to developments with the construction of our new school, this is the first step in our overall BFCCPS Expansion Process. It has been an exceptionally busy summer and we are pleased to announce that we made significant progress in the last eight weeks.

In July our project received clearance from the Franklin Conservation Committee followed by approval by the Franklin Planning Board. Based on that approval we were able to solicit bids for the Construction Manager for our new building. During the month of August the neighboring project which is involved in our land swap also received clearance from the Franklin Conservation Committee and the Franklin Planning Board.

Both projects are subject to a complete review by the Massachusetts EPA that has taken longer than we could possibly have anticipated.

At this time, we find ourself beyond the deadline where we would need to be in order to open for the 2017-2018 school year. We did consider a number of creative alternatives however in the end, they would have been significantly disruptive to our educational program. We will have a better idea of what our timeline will be once the MEPA review is completed . We remain incredibly pleased with the progress that has been made this summer, and we continue to be excited about continuing with this process and we hope that you are too.

If you have any questions about the project, please contact the Board of Trustees President, Mr. Jason Fine by email at jfine@bfccps.org.

Sincerely

The BFCCPS Board of Trustees

 Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School
Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School


Shared from the BFCCPS webpage
http://bfccps.org/an-expansion-update-from-the-board-of-trustees-2/

Saturday, August 6, 2016

"the new building is projected to cost about $21 million"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The town has approved the site plan for a new location for the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School, moving the project another step forward. 
The school is looking to move from its current location on Main Street to a new building on Financial Park between Washington and Grove streets. 
Town Planner Bryan Taberner said the Planning Board approved the plan at a mid-July meeting, though he said he did not believe the school has sought a building permit as of yet. School officials want to open the new building in September 2017."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160805/site-plan-approved-for-new-charter-school-building

the BFCCPS is currently operating from the former St Mary's School
the BFCCPS is currently operating from the former St Mary's School
For more information about the charter school visit them online -->>  http://bfccps.org/

Friday, July 15, 2016

"I think this is the wrong way to do it"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"The Town Council at its meeting this week called for more transparency and better tracking in the maintenance of town buildings. 
The council expressed those concerns to Deputy Director of Public Facilities Marco Brancato, who was at the Wednesday session to request approval for a new preventative maintenance program. 
Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting said the effort would take inventory of public buildings and equipment and put that information into a software program. The program would then set up a maintenance schedule and help identify problem areas."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160714/franklin-councilors-raise-maintenance-concerns


Additional information on actions that were taken at the Town Council meeting on Wednesday can be found on the Town of Franklin webpage
http://franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/0245C10A-000F8513

Franklin Municipal Building, site of  the Town Council meetings
Franklin Municipal Building, site of  the Town Council meetings

Thursday, December 24, 2015

“I can’t say enough about this program,” Brown said. “It really takes a burden off of what we do.”

Catching up to this article from the Boston Globe
"As a building official in Franklin, Gus Brown could never figure out how to clean up a handful of abandoned, run-down homes that plagued several of the town’s neighborhoods for years. 
Everything changed, though, when he decided in May to place his town in the state attorney general’s Abandoned Housing Initiative. Jason Piques, a lawyer in the AG’s office, sent warning letters to the property owners, and within a month things started to happen. 
“To date, there are ongoing cleanups and repairs on these houses and no complaints from the neighbors [anymore],” said Brown, Franklin’s building commissioner. “That letter from him seems to have wonderful results without even getting into any of the legal proceedings.”
Assistant Attorney General Jason Piques (shown at a derelict property) helped the Town of Franklin clean up several run-down homes.
Assistant Attorney General Jason Piques (shown at a derelict property) helped the Town of Franklin clean up several run-down homes. (Boston Globe photo)


Continue reading the full article here (subscription may be required)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2015/12/20/attorney-general-program-helps-cities-and-towns-clean-abandoned-properties/2UI6WGXhRMX3P2uOMOzfWP/story.html

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

In the News: Silipo recognized, Housing Authority groundbreaking ceremony

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

Franklin native Leah Silipo was recently awarded the Harvard Club of Boston 2015 Excellence in Teaching Award. 
Silipo was one of five high school teachers in New England to be selected as a recipient of the award this year. She joined other teachers and over 200 student winners of the Harvard Club’s Prize Book Award at a celebratory breakfast on Oct. 7, held in their honor at the Harvard Club of Boston. 
Salipo was raised in Franklin and is a 2000 graduate of Franklin High School and a 2004 graduate of the University of New Hampshire. She has been teaching at Sharon High School for 12 years.

Read the full article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151124/NEWS/151127737/1994/NEWS


The Franklin Housing Authority will have a groundbreaking ceremony next week for a housing building on Plain Street. 
The event, set for Monday morning, will celebrate the beginning of work on an eight-unit facility set to house state Department of Developmental Services clients. 
Lisa Audette, the town's Housing Authority agent, said the work is an exciting development for the authority. 
"It's a fantastic opportunity for DDS clients," she said. "There is a need for this type of housing."

Read the full article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151124/NEWS/151127586/1994/NEWS

Saturday, June 20, 2015

What's happening with the South Franklin Congregational Meeting House?

The South Franklin Meeting House has been sitting unused since the Historical Museum left it in 2007. What to do with the building has been an on-again, off-again conversation and Franklin has just published a report by an architect outlining some of the more practical options.

Did you know
South Franklin Congregational Meeting House 
Constructed in 1861, the South Franklin Congregational Meeting House (SFCMH) also known as Union Evangelical Meeting House originally functioned as a Congregationalist church. The building is designed in the Greek revival style with 4 Doric columns along the north façade. The building is rectangular in footprint and is approximately 2 stories tall with an attic and bell tower. 
Located within what is currently designated as the greater South Franklin Area, the church was originally intended to provide the Congregationalists of South Franklin a place to commune when inclement weather or the harvest season made worshiping at the main Congregationalist church in the center of Franklin difficult. When religious services were not in session, the building also served as a debate hall for the South Franklin area. 
In 1972, the Federated Church deeded the building to the Town of Franklin. The building housed the Franklin Historical Museum from 1975 until 2007 when the museum relocated. 
The typical exterior wall construction is wood framed with painted clapboard siding and corner  boards on the exterior and painted lath and plaster on the interior.
South Franklin Congregational Meeting House
South Franklin Congregational Meeting House


You can read the full report here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/02135427-000F8513

You can also find the same copy here (while the Town of Franklin website has been known to change their links from time to time - this link won't change)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczOVNSRWRGTEdlVHc/view?usp=sharing


Sunday, April 12, 2015

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Apr 15, 2015


A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29. This session will not be recorded by Franklin Matters

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS

E. APPOINTMENTS
Zoning Board of Appeals - David J. Lamberto

F. HEARINGS

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
» Hamra Noodles, LLC, D/B/A Noodles & Company – New License
» Gill N Sidhu,LLC – Chinese Mirch - Change of DBA
» Maguro House- New Officer and Director, Transfer of Stock and New Stockholder

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
Curbside Collection – Brutus Cantoreggi

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 15-15:Appropriation and Authorization to Borrow for Purchase and Renovation of Improved Property for Franklin Recreation Department
2. Resolution 15-16:Purchase of Property at 275 Beaver Street for Franklin Recreation Department’s Use
3. Bylaw Amendment 15-746: Chapter 181, Wetlands Protection – 2nd Reading
275 Beaver St - street view
275 Beaver St - street view

275 Beaver St - back building
275 Beaver St - back building

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

L. OLD BUSINESS

M. NEW BUSINESS

N. COUNCIL COMMENTS

O. EXECUTIVE SESSION

P. ADJOURN

The full set of documents released for this meeting can be found here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2015%20Complete%20With%20Documents/04152015.pdf

Saturday, April 11, 2015

Beaver St building proposed as new home for Recreation Dept

The Finance Committee heard of plans for the purchase of the building and land at 275 Beaver St to serve as the new home for the Recreation Dept. The Recreation Dept has been housed in the 150 Emmons St property which is in the process of being sold

Emmons St building - under agreement for sale by Franklin
Emmons St building - under agreement for sale by Franklin


The two documents handed out at the FinCom meeting are shown here. 

They are also part of the Town Council agenda package for the meeting scheduled Apr 15th.

The memo from Jeff Nutting outlining the purchase plans




A summary of the Recreation Dept including revenues and expenses from 2011 (actual) to the current 2015 year (projected)




Saturday, March 21, 2015

Property lines, permits, and erroneous enrollment numbers were key topics Wednesday

The quick summary of the Town Council meeting on Wednesday is as follows:

  1. The Council approved acceptance of several roads that have a a defined road plan and property lines. Some of the early developments had property lines where the ownership went to the middle of the road. In those cases, for the town to take responsibility for the road, it would need to reach agreement with all the home owners; which can be a tedious if not almost impossible task. There are several developments where these road plans are being worked and these tonight were the latest in the series where progress has reached a good point.
  2. Ownership and property lines also arose from a citizen comment. The resident had purchased a home 40+ years ago, had water problems reportedly from the street which the Town at the time corrected with a pump and drainage. Turns out the land never really should have been built upon, the town workers then should not have spent public money for a private benefit. The pump recently failed which the town did replace but also said that this was the last time they were doing anything about it, leaving the homeowner in a real quandary. Fortunately, all parties will work together to see if they can reach a satisfactory conclusion.
  3. Gus Brown, the Building Inspector, provided an overview on the work of his department. The presentation doc can be viewed below.
  4. The School Budget got some good news this week. What had been a $600K shortage due to the Charter School funding and reimbursement process turns out to not be the case as some erroneous enrollment numbers were used which caused the problem in the first place. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) will be reworking the numbers to use the proper set of enrollment and this situation should be resolved. 
  5. The Town is still awaiting the arbitrators decision on the fire fighter union. This decision would affect the budget as the union has not had a contract for 3 years. The decision has been planned for by putting away some funds to cover but how much will be covered will be dependent upon the decision and then whether the Town Council accepts the decision. Hence, the overall FY 16 budget process is starting real slow this year. One thing is sure, there will be a balanced budget before June 30, 2015. Stay tuned for further developments in this space.




Magnolia Heights, a 140 unit development at Chestnut Ridge, RT 140
Magnolia Heights, a 140 unit development at Chestnut Ridge, RT 140

For additional info on Magnolia Heights, one of the developments underway that the Building Inspector is visiting regularly, check their webpage
http://www.seniorlivinginstyle.com/p/independent_living/amenities_11072/franklin-ma-02038/magnolia-heights-gracious-retirement-living-11072



You can find all my notes reporting live during the meeting here:


Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Live reporting: Presentations


H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS


  • FY 16 Budget
Jeff Nutting, apparently the charter school enrollment is incorrect which should help the budget forecasted as the proper numbers roll through

Awaiting the fire fighters arbitration award

Once the last numbers come in, will go through the process, beginning with the Finance Committee


  • Gus Brown - Building Commissioner
3 years as building commissioner

review and process residential and commercial permit applications
interpret and enforce zoning

totals of permits on one slide (hopefully will be posted later)

140 unit at Chestnut Ridge under construction

Starbucks and 3 other businesses in the one building

picture of a fire inspection: due to the sheet rock in the garage, the fire stayed in the garage and did not enter the building

there are no unregistered cars allowed unless you are a registered dealer

State offering a program to help manage abandoned homes
the property can be repaired through a court ordered receiver process

136 Chestut St - part of the Affordable Housing Trust

15 Beaver Court - being constructed by students at Tri-County
the framing was done at the school, moved to the site and now the working to complete the house is being done inplace on site

housing zoning starts with Building Commissioner and gets routed through to the Zoning Board of Appeals

Q - on solar panels
A - recent surge, checking for the ability of the roof to support the solar panels especially with snow

Q - what is the outlook on permits
A - it has evened out, several projects on Grove St are coming along
a tenate will potentially use the section of the building wil use the rail connection

Q - Pfeffer - kudos to Gus for working with the Housing Trust

Q - Padula - are the students taking it through to the finish?
A - yes, Glenn Jones is working on the electrical and is doing a great job. If you get a chance to see the kids operating, it is a joy to watch

Q - Bissanti - as far as the vacant homes, are you getting this money?
A - yes, we are. You are not dealing with the home owner, you are dealing with the other entity and they sometimes think that you are trying to buy the home. we don't want to. We want to kept up to keep up the neighborhood.

Q - are you collecting the fees?
A - yes, we are. With out this being in place, they could fly under the radar, now that can't hide.

Q - Dellorco - are we going to have other projects for Tri-County?
A - yes, but we are inline, other towns are seeing what is being done by the students and they want some of that too!

Nutting - I get so many comments about the professional courtesy of he and his staff

Gus - you can't put a price tag on having Mark here to answer questions