Showing posts with label first refusal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label first refusal. Show all posts

Monday, June 21, 2021

FM #569 = Community Preservation Committee votes 9-0 to approve 'right of first refusal' (audio)

FM #569 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 569 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares the Community Preservation Committee meeting held Thursday, June 17, 2021


The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: all nine of the committee members were in the Municipal Bldg, along with Town administration personnel, some of the public joined via conference bridge.


Links to the key topics covered here are included in the show notes. The recording runs about 50 minutes, so let’s listen to the Community Preservation Committee meeting held Thursday, June 17.


* Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/279de95c-aab8-4e7c-a680-68490c0221ae



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


Meeting agenda -> 

https://franklinma.gov/community-preservation-committee/events/330126 #cpc0617


Right of first refusal summary

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/_maple_hill_rofr_open_space_update.pdf  


Recap of the meeting ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/06/recap-community-preservation-committee.html


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


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"

 

Community Preservation Committee votes 9-0 to approve 'right of first refusal' (audio)
Community Preservation Committee votes 9-0 to approve 'right of first refusal' (audio)

Saturday, June 19, 2021

FM #567: Finance Committee "unequivocally" approves Maple Hill purchase plan (audio)

FM #567 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 567 in the series. 


This session shares the Franklin, MA Finance Committee meeting held on June 16, 2021.


The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: members of the Finance Committee, Town Administration personnel, and some members of the public were in the Council Chambers, the remainder were remote via the Zoom conference bridge.


The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda including documents released for this agenda and to my notes from the meeting. 


The meeting recording runs almost 1 hour so let’s listen to the Finance Committee of June 16


Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/004489cb-f552-4966-972d-de16819c830d



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


Meeting agenda

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/6-16-21_fincom_agenda.pdf


Right of first refusal summary

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/_maple_hill_rofr_open_space_update.pdf 


My meeting notes

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/06/recap-finance-committee-unequivocally.html 

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

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 www.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"

 


Friday, June 18, 2021

Recap: Finance Committee "unequivocally" approves Maple Hill purchase plan

Quick Recap:
  • After reviewing the Maple Hill proposal, asking some clarification questions, the Finance Committee 'unequivocally' approved of executing the right of first refusal for Option 1.
  • The Committee also approved two other financial transactions scheduled to come to the Town Council. 1 - for some transfers to fund the zoning study and 2 - utilization of some of the Fletcher funds for a bunch of recreation improvements
  • Interesting question on the housing authority and what could be done after the second fire (first at Central Park Terrace, second at Winter St). Both properties and their funding is under State control, the Town has no control.

----

As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.

 

The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #fincom0616
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23fincom0616&src=typeahead_click 

  • Getting ready for the Finance Committee meeting, back in the Municipal Bldg for this meeting first time in almost forever https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/6-16-21_fincom_agenda.pdf #fincom0616
  • Chair Dowd opens meeting #fincom0616
  • Motion to accept prior meeting may 19, seconded, passes 9-0 #fincom0616
  • TA Jamie Hellen provides a recap of the proposal sharing the summary doc from the Town Council meeting last week. #fincom0616
  • 5 years ago ToF had no money for open space, had to turn down two first refusal in 2017, and now have the funding with options available to make a decision. #fincom0616
  • Multiple wins with the proposal; sold sewer beds to buy good forest, can use the 1.5m from sale as down payment, finance the balance with CPA funds of about $200k/year. #fincom0616
  • Right of first refusal applies to chap 60/61 property classifications. Owner gets a break on the tax rate each year of ownership, in return Town gets the right of first refusal with a action time of 120 days. #fincom0616
  • Q on rollback doesn't apply to Town, would apply to another purchaser if using as nonfarm. Maintenance costs would be minimal and not included in this purchase. Those potentially could be funded from future CPA projects #fincom0616 could Franklin do it's own ->
  • Emerald necklace and connect properties together. #fincom0616 with the low interest rate, it makes the town standing more flexible IF something else came along. If we did use open space funds, then what would we have?
  • #fincom0616 to "unequivocally" endorse the right of first refusal as proposed, seconded, passes 9-0
  • Proposal for debt stabilization fund, to have a target of 2% and not use more than 50% in any one time of use; simple proposal, only a target and a use cap. #fincom0616 passes 9-0
  • Fletcher fund proposed to be used for approx $90k, looking for financial support to move to the Town Council for approval. Youth sports orgs would use and benefits from these expenses, for expenses on town property #fincom0616 motion to approve, seconded, passes 9-0
  • FY 2021 budget adjustments, transfer req'd for town council approval, #fincom0616 to recommend $71k transfers in first case, and $130k for rezoning analysis. Using the capital approach for a financial perspective to allow flexibility on transactions
  • Motion to approve 2134, seconded, passes 9-0 #fincom0616 Motion to approve 2135, seconded, passes 9-0 Future agenda items housing authority is not under Town authority, nominations for Board but that all. Comm of MA is responsible
  • Motion to adjourn, passes 9-0 Staying here for the Economic Development subcommittee meeting at 7 PM. #fincom0616

Recap: Finance Committee approves Maple Hill purchase plan
Recap: Finance Committee approves Maple Hill purchase plan


Tuesday, June 15, 2021

Community Preservation Committee: Agenda - June 17, 2021

Community Preservation Committee Meeting
Agenda & Meeting Packet
June 17, 2021 - 5:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building
2nd Floor, Council Chambers 355 East Central Street

The public will be permitted to enter the building to participate in person.

Agenda:

1. Approval of Minutes for a. May 18, 2021

2. Historical Tours Date Discussion

3. Chapter 61A, Town’s Right of First Refusal to Purchase Approx. 70 Acres of Land off Maple Street approved as “Maple Hill” Definitive Residential Subdivision. Discussion and vote on recommending use of CPA funding for purchase to the Town Council



Maple Hearing summary presentation to Town Council - June 9, 2021

Agenda doc with remote connection info

Community Preservation Committee: Agenda - June 17, 2021
Community Preservation Committee: Agenda - June 17, 2021


FM #566 - Talk Franklin - 06/11/21 "What's a giphy channel?" (audio)

FM #566 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 566 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Marketing and Communications Specialist Anne Marie Tracey. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.


We talk about: 

Pop Shop grants, one shop open, one coming soon

What’s a giphy channel?

 

Maple Hill ‘right of first refusal’ 

Public hearings, FinCom, Community Preservation Committee


Links to the key topics covered here are included in the show notes. The recording runs about 30 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie and Anne Marie.


** Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/62aec4ea-3cf1-42d2-b9c5-8d4ee2c92b65


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


Pop Shop Franklin

https://www.franklinma.gov/economic-development/pages/pop-shop-franklin

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/06/first-pop-shop-franklin-site-opens-with.html 


Town Council agenda document folder

https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/6-9-21_town_council_agenda_1.pdf


The proposal summary and details on the 'right of first refusal' can be found in this document https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/_maple_hill_rofr_open_space_update.pdf



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


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"

 

FM #566 - Talk Franklin - 06/11/21 "What's a giphy channel?" (audio)
FM #566 - Talk Franklin - 06/11/21 "What's a giphy channel?" (audio)

Sunday, June 13, 2021

Franklin, MA: Finance Committee - Agenda - June 16, 2021

Finance Committee Meeting 
Agenda & Meeting Packet 
June 16th, 2021 = 6:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building
2nd floor, Council Chambers 355 East Central Street

The public will be permitted to enter the building to participate in person.
Residents are encouraged to attend and participate via the “ZOOM” Platform.

Agenda
1. Call to Order
2. Public Comments
3. Approval of Minutes
4. Chapter 61A, Town’s Right of First Refusal to Purchase Approx. 70 Acres of Land off Maple Street approved as “Maple Hill” Definitive Residential Subdivision:
a. Cover Memo and Purchase & Sale Agreement: (
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/6._web_rofr_hearing.pdf)
i. Notice of intent to sell land for residential use off Maple Street
b. Open Space Presentation - April 6th, 2021 CPC Meeting  (
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/open_space_presentation_update_4-6-2021.pdf)
c. 2016 Town of Franklin Open Space Plan  
(https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/updated_osrp.pdf)
d. Financials
e. Town Administrator Presentation to Town Council June 9, 2021  (
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/_maple_hill_rofr_open_space_update.pdf)
5. Budget Stabilization Policy Discussion
6. Fletcher Fund Expenditures
7. FY21 Budget Update
8. Future Agenda Items
9. Adjourn

Agenda doc contains connection info

Franklin, MA: Finance Committee - Agenda - June 16, 2021
Franklin, MA: Finance Committee - Agenda - June 16, 2021


Saturday, June 12, 2021

Recap: Town Council - on Maple Hill 'right of first refusal' recommendation is to purchase

Quick Summary:
  • Three options were outlined for the Maple Hill 'right of first refusal' Franklin has 120 days to make. The first option to use the proceeds from the Pond St sale (former sewer treatment plant) ($1.6M) and to use the Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds to finance the remaining $3M.
  • No decision was made at the Town Council meeting. The Town Council does have final approval but they can not make the unilateral decision. There are two more public hearings; the Finance Committee (6/16) and the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) (6/17). The CPC needs to make the formal recommendation to use the CPA funds for the Town Council to approve. Assuming the CPC does make the recommendation, the measure would come back to the Town Council likely at their July meeting for approval.


As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.
 
The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #schcom0309
 
Photos captured during the meeting, shared via Twitter can be found in one album

The proposal summary and details on the 'right of first refusal' can be found in this document https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/_maple_hill_rofr_open_space_update.pdf

  • Getting ready for the Town Council meeting at 7 PM agenda doc has connection information https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/6-9-21_town_council_agenda_1.pdf #tc0609
  • In person meeting participation opens June 15, Zoom will be available as well as the live stream and cable broadcasts #tc0609
  • Justin Bates speaks to PFAS report from recent water quality report. While # within guidelines, it is concerning and should be investigated for further mitigation. #tc0609
  • Electric Youth in the Chambers for their 'almost' annual performance before heading off to Europe for their 2 week tour. #tc0609 (almost as the pandemic cut the trip last year)
  • Performing a capella #tc0609
  • Motion to approve minutes for Apr 7, passes 9-0; motion on mins for Apr 14, passes 9-0; for May 5, passes 9-0; motion for May 19, passes 9-0 #tc0609
  • Proclamation in recognition of FHS donation for veterans walkway bricks along with the pedestals for each of the 45 #tc0609 Proclamation in recognition of Mr Wright for his action during the fire at Franklin Crossing
  • Shifting order of action items to address license transactions before the public hearing. #tc0609 La Cantina proposal to combine their licenses. Really just a paperwork item per ABCC motion to approve, seconded, passes 9-0
  • La Cantina second transaction for the 19h, (first was 19c). Motion to approve, passes 9-0. #tc0609 Table & Vine change of Manager, etc. Motion to approve, seconded passes 9-0
  • Chapter 61 right of first refusal public hearing opens. First of 3 hearings on this matter, https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/6._web_rofr_hearing.pdf #tc9609
  • Presentation copy to be shared Thursday on town website. Meeting of the 3 hearings https://franklinma.gov/home/news/chapter-61-maple-hill-public-hearings #tc0609
  • Town land in green Metacomet in yellow on this map #tc0609
  • Purchase proposal options #tc0609
  • Additional details on the finances #tc0609
  • Debt exclusion could be an option (like a school building) #tc0609
  • If right is refused, the project would continue with development of housing overtime per schedule shown #tc0609
  • Final slide on recommendation #tc0609 councilors asking clarification questions before getting to the public side of questions/comments. With this proposal CPC recommendation would be required to get TC approval
  • Interested in finding the $1.5m from Pond St sale where it was in the financial reports? May not have been in report due to whatever accounting may have applied. #tc0609 councilors generally speaking for the proposal option 1
  • Attny Doherty speaking first as he had registered to do so; for the proposal, good planning and good timing to do so. #tc0609
  • Negative comment about the Planning Board reflects a misunderstanding of their role in the process. They are restricted to address a proposal to fit within the bylaws. The Council is in a good position as they have some money to say yes. Hasn't always been the case #tc0609
  • Unfortunately the Council seems to be passing the buck to the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) which is by process; they (CPC) do need to make a recommendation for this proposal. The CPC is a new group but in my read of them are likely to recommend #tc0609
  • Residents all speaking for this proposal thus far; vernal pools a treasure, the open space has trails which has been used #tc0609 Public hearing closes EDC meets next week
  • Moving to legislation for action, capital plan second round https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10a._web_capital_plan_2.pdf #tc0609 FinCom voted to recommend, motion to approve, seconded, discussion on clarification of police station site analysis; passes 9-0
  • #tc0609 inter-municipal agreement to provide water supply for a single residence from Bellingham https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10b._web_bellingham_ima.pdf Motion to approve, second, passes 9-0
  • Gift for veterans services, for walkway bricks as noted by proclamation done earlier in meeting, motion, veterans officer D Kurtz provides details second, passes 9-0
  • PEG funds transfer from ToF to Franklin TV, as per quarterly procedure; motion to approve, second passes 9-0 https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10d._web_peg.pdf Pellegri still wants lower rates for consumers (can't be done by local authorities)
  • Sewer bylaw for second reading https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10e._web_sewers.pdf #tc0609 motion to approve, second, passes 9-0 via roll call
  • Zoning bylaw definitions update for tasting room, https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10f._web_tasting_room.pdf motion to move to second reading, second, planning board recommends by a 4-1 vote; had been 25% per manufacturing alignment, passes 9-0
  • Saturday, 9-12 open house at water treatment plant, also will be a smaller version of a Touch the Truck expo at the same time. Tests for PFAS are mandated quarterly, does do required testing, not found an excess of levels. #tc0609
  • Req for SchComm to come and define the Davis Thayer timeline for town control per Pellegri. #tc0609 Kudos for farmers Market and new layout. EDC business listening sessions were good, thanks to Melanie for that. Exit #s now 41 and 43. EDC meeting 6/17 ArtWALK this weekend
  • Pellegri also adds historical museum is hosting musical performances on Saturday as well as part of ArtWALK. #tc0609 Jones will need to replace Anne Marie Tracey, DT hosting a gathering for the closing for families. Remember to block Church st for Memorial Day service
  • Motion to adjourn, passes 9-0 That's all for tonight, catch you next time!


Audio file to be available in couple of days 

Maple Hill 'right of first refusal' recommendation is to purchase
Maple Hill 'right of first refusal' recommendation is to purchase

 

Sunday, June 6, 2021

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - June 9, 2021

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR    
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.
 
b. Chair to identify Council Members participating remotely

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS 
   
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. April 07, 2021
b. April 14, 2021
c. May 05, 2021
d. May 19, 2021

4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS    
a. Proclamation: Franklin High School BALTS
b. Proclamation: Police Department, David Mellor

5. APPOINTMENTS  
 
None Scheduled
 

6. HEARINGS - 7:10pm    

  • Chapter 61A, Town’s Right of First Refusal to Purchase Approx. 70 Acres of Land off Maple Street approved as “Maple Hill” Definitive Residential Subdivision
  • Cover Memo and Purchase & Sale Agreement: Notice of intent to sell land for residential use off Maple Street
  • Open Space Presentation - April 6th, 2021, Community Preservation Committee Meeting
 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/open_space_presentation_update_4-6-2021.pdf
  • 2016 Town of Franklin Open Space Plan
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/updated_osrp.pdf


7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS  
 

  • La Cantina Winery, New Section 19C Farmer Brewery License & License Modification to Combine existing 19B and New 19C license to create a 19H Farmer Winery/Brewery License, 355 & 357 Union Street, Franklin, MA 02038
  • Table and Vine, License Modification - Change of Manager and Stock Transfer, 348 East Central Street


8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS    
None Scheduled

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

10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION    

10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION    
Resolution 21-23: FY21 Capital Plan Round 2 (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-23 - Majority Vote)

10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION    
Resolution 21-30: Authorization for Intermunicipal Agreement with the Town of Bellingham to Supply Water to Private Franklin Residential Property Located at 425 Prospect Street (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-30 - Majority Vote)

10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION    
Resolution 21-31: Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services, $985 (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-31 - Majority Vote)

10d. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION    
Resolution 21-32: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44, §53F3/4 (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-32 - Majority Vote)

10e. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION    
Bylaw Amendment 21-873: Chapter 139, Sewer Use Regulation Update - Second Reading (Motion to Adopt Bylaw Amendment 21-873 - Majority Roll Call Vote)

10f. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION    
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 21-872: To Amend The Franklin Town Code At Chapter 185, Section 3, Definitions, Tasting Room - First Reading (Motion to move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 21-872 to a second reading - Majority Roll Call Vote)

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
 

 
Agenda doc with connection info:

 

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - June 9, 2021
Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - June 9, 2021