Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Dec 19, 2018

The published agenda and documents for the Franklin Town Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, December 19, 2018.  

(Note: where there are active links in the agenda item, it will take you to the associated document)

You can also find the full set of documents in one PDF

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/town_council_meeting_agenda_12-19-2018_0.pdf

Agenda Item	Summary
Town Council Meeting Agenda	Meeting of December 19, 2018 - 7:00PM
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. CITIZENS 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	None
4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS	None
5. APPOINTMENTS	None
6. HEARINGS	None
7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS	a. 2019 Annual Alcoholic Beverages License Renewals
8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS	a. Technology Department
9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS	a. Capital Budget Subcommittee  b. Budget Subcommittee  c. Economic Development Subcommittee
10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Resolution 18-73: Designate Milford Daily News (Motion to approve Resolution 18-73- Majority Vote (5))
10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Resolution 18-75: Acceptance of Private Road Covenant with Owner-Developer of O'Brien Estates, A Two-Lot Subdivision (Motion to Approve Resolution 18-75- Majority Vote (5))
10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Zoning Bylaw Amendment 18-821: Zoning Map Changes On Or Near Plain Street, Pond Street, and Palomino Drive- 2nd Reading (Motion to adopt Zoning Bylaw Amendment 18-821- Two Thirds Majority Roll Call Vote (6))
10d. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Bylaw Amendment 18-825: Chapter 47, Alcoholic Beverages- 2nd Reading (Motion to adopt Bylaw Amendment 18-825 - Majority Roll Call Vote (5))
10e. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Bylaw Amendment 18-828: Fees Bylaw Changes- 2nd Reading (Motion to adopt Bylaw Amendment 18-828- Majority Roll Call Vote (5))
10f. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-829: District Enumerated-Creation of Mixed Business Innovation Zoning District-Referral to the Planning Board ( Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-829 to the Planning Board- Majority Vote (5))
10g. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-830: Use Regulations- Mixed Business Innovation Zoning District -Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-830 to the Planning Board- Majority Vote (5))
10h. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-831: Mixed Business Innovation Zone Dimensional Regulations -Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-831 to the Planning Board- Majority Vote (5))
10i. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-832: Changes to §185-20. Signs, Mixed Business Innovation Zoning District -Referral to the Planning Board ( Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-832 to the Planning Board- Majority Vote (5))
10j. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-833: Zoning Map Changes from Industrial to Mixed Business Innovation on Area on or near Fisher and Hayward Streets -Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-833 to the Planning Board- Majority Vote (5))
10k. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-834: Changes to Sign District Overlay Map, Mixed Business Innovation Zoning District -Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-834 to the Planning Board- Majority Vote (5))
11. TOWN ADMINISTRATORS REPORT
12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
13. COUNCIL COMMENTS
14. EXECUTIVE SESSION	None Scheduled
15. ADJOURN

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Dec 19, 2018

FM #155 - Economic Development Committee - Dec 12, 2018 (audio)

FM #155

This internet radio show or podcast is number 155 in the series for Franklin Matters.

This recording shares the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting held before the Town Council meeting on Wednesday, December 12, 2018.

The discussion covered the two scheduled agenda items. The first up heard additional research on whether to modify the existing brewing distillery bylaw to remove the kitchen requirement. Do tap rooms, tasting rooms, really need to have a kitchen?

You can listen to the discussion as it developed. Ultimately, the motion moved to the Town Council by a 4-0 vote to remove kitchens from the tasting bylaw.

The second item was a discussion on the proposed Mixed Business Innovation Zoning District to help control and enable appropriate reuse of the Clark, Cutler, McDermott property.

After discussion on various aspects of the pros, cons, what was really being attempted, the motion moved to the Town Council by a 3-1 vote (Kelly = no). 

The official meeting minutes are also included in the show notes that accompany this podcast.

Agenda 

Discussion:
1. Brewery, Winery, Distillery Bylaw Issues - food requirement
2. Clark, Cutler, McDermott rezoning

Future Meetings:
3. 2013 Master Plan Update
4. Housing - Generally
a. Over 55 Housing Overlay
a. Inclusionary Zoning Discussion
b. Multi-Family Housing in Residential V and Commercial 1
c. R7
d. Downtown extension/C1/Village District Discussion
e. Affordable Housing Plan

This was shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/economic-development-subcommittee

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/edc_meeting_agenda_12-12-2018.pdf

The total meeting recording runs just about 58 minutes. Without further ado, here is the audio recording.




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This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but I can't do it alone. I can always use your help.

How can you help?

In particular, if you have an interest in real estate, zoning, or construction, I would like someone to follow the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals and/ or Conservation Commission meetings. I’ll provide the guidance on note taking and sharing. You need to bring an inquisitive, open mind, and willingness to learn and share.

Overall:

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors.
• If you don't like this, please let me know.

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements.
Thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
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 and Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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Meeting Minutes for the Economic Development Committee

Members present: Matthew Kelly, Glenn Jones, Melanie Hamblen, Eamon McCarthy Earls.

Also in attendance: Deborah Pellegri, Anthony Padula, Joseph Halligan, Deputy Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, Planning Director Bryan Taberner, Building Inspector - Gus Brown, Planner - Amy Love and Steve Sherlock. Also participating was an unidentified potential brewing establishment owner.

Matt Kelly called the meeting to order at 5:45 PM, and read a statement into the record regarding attendance of Town Councilors not on the Economic Development Subcommittee.

Brewery, Winery, Distillery Bylaw Issues - food requirement. Jamie Hellen provided a summary of the issue before the Committee. The discussion was to determine if the Town should continue to require food for the new farmer series facilities (Brewery, Winery or Distillery with taproom) as the current by-law reads. There was discussion about Breweries starting off as only serving beer, and expanding in the future into serving food. 

There was discussion about the breweries being a gathering spot and customers expecting food to be served. Mr. Taberner said they can order food from local residents to be delivered to the brewery. Mr. Hellen said they researched with many local breweries and even breweries from out of state, that none of them are required to serve food. There was further discussion on the hours of operation and how much they are allowed to pour per customer.

Motion to move to Town Council, Mr. Earls, second by Mrs. Hamblen, voted (4-0).

Mixed Business Innovation Zoning District — Mr. Hellen provided an overview of the proposed new zoning district and also provided a map that included what lots the zoning is proposed to be applied. Mr. Taberner further explained the uses that would be allowed in this district, if the property were to be re-zoned. 

In addition, the Use Table would add 3 more uses catered to the zone. Mr. Taberner said he has spoken with some of the property owners who agree this would be good for property uses. Mr. Kelley asked about adding a residential portion to this zone. Mr. Kelley said he thought this would be a tear down and residential should be allowed on the upper floors. 

There was discussion of the current industrial uses and potential for future of the buildings. Mr. Padula asked if the Town was trying to control what goes there. Mr. Hellen said they are trying to make the property more marketable and attract more businesses there. Mr. Jones said they are trying to re-purpose the property. 

Mr. Eamon said with the single story mill, there are not much option currently with the zoning. The MBI zoning would better help sell the building. Mr. Taberner explained that currently the only use is heavy manufacturing and explained the definition of heavy manufacturing.

Motion to move to Town Council, Mr.Jones, second by Mr. Earls, voted (3-'1). 

Next EDC meeting TBD.

Meeting Adjourned at 6:45 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/economic-development-subcommittee/minutes/edc-meeting-minutes-3

Mixed Business Innovation (MBI) Zoning District proposed

The text of the memo introducing the set of zoning bylaw changes to create a Mixed Business Innovation (MBI) Zoning District. This is targeted to control and enable reuse of the Clark Culter property. This is on the agenda for the Town Council meeting Wednesday, Dec 19.


"As you know the Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD) has been working on rezoning concepts for the former Clark Cutler McDermott (CCM) property on West Central, Fisher and Hayward Streets. CCM went bankrupt after decades at that location, and the property is being managed and marketed by a court-appointed Trustee.
The industrial and warehouse/distribution property is currently underutilized, and the Trustee has struggled to obtain a buyer. In addition to the CCM properties, there are several adjacent industrially-zoned parcels that are either in need of redevelopment or currently being utilized for non-Industrial uses. DPCD recommends rezoning seven industrial parcels on or near Fisher and Hayward Streets. Attached is a diagram showing the in the area, and a list of parcels proposed for rezoning.

This cluster of industrially-zoned properties is surrounded by residential neighborhoods that could be negatively impacted if any of the seven industrial parcels were utilized for heavy manufacturing, which is allowed by right in the Town’s Industrial Zoning District. For this reason DPCD proposes to rezone the seven parcels from the Industrial Zoning District to a zoning district that would eliminate heavy industrial uses and permit uses that would have less impact on adjacent residential neighborhoods.

DPCD has struggled with rezoning to a current Zoning District; for that reason a new Zoning District has been drafted. DPCD proposes creation of a new Mixed Business Innovation (MBI) Zoning District that allows the current level of manufacturing and warehouse/distribution uses at the CCM properties, allows for a greater range of uses by-right or by special permit, and increases the likelihood of the property being redeveloped.

Given the area’s proximity to the Downtown and the Franklin Cultural District, DPCD has included a wide variety of uses that could support reinvestment and reuse of the properties for light industrial, commercial, arts and cultural, institutional, or entertainment uses. Some of the uses DPCD recommends allowing by-right or by Planning Board special permit include art galleries, performance venues, studio space, artisanal or craft maker space, research and development, business incubator and co-working space, restaurants, cafes, services and retail.

Attached are the following for consideration:

• Diagram of the area showing the current and proposed zoning;
• List of parcels proposed for rezoning from Industrial (I) to the new Mixed Business Innovation (MBI) Zoning District;
• A summary of the Zoning By-law Amendments required to create the new Mixed Business Innovation Zoning District, including mention of the more important Zoning Bylaw changes being proposed; and
• The following Zoning Bylaw Amendments:

• Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-829: Districts Enumerated. Creation of Mixed Business Innovation Zoning District

• Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-830: Mixed Business Innovation Zone Use Regulations

• Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-831: Mixed Business Innovation Zone Dimensional Regulations

• Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-832: Changes to §185-20. Signs, Mixed Business Innovation Zoning District

• Zoning Map Amendment 19-833: Zoning Map Changes from Industrial to Mixed Business Innovation an Area on or near Fisher and Hayward Streets

• Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-834: Changes to Sign District Overlay Map, Mixed Business Innovation Zoning District.

If the Economic Development Committee supports the rezoning concept DPCD recommends they refer Zoning By-law Amendments 18-829 through 19-834 to the Town Council for a presentation, and eventually referral to the Planning Board for a public hearing. Please let me know if you have questions or require additional information for clarification.

Mixed Business Innovation (MBI) Zoning District proposed

10f. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-829: District Enumerated-Creation of Mixed Business Innovation Zoning District-Referral to the Planning Board ( Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-829 to the Planning Board- Majority Vote (5))
10g. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-830: Use Regulations- Mixed Business Innovation Zoning District -Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-830 to the Planning Board- Majority Vote (5))
10h. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-831: Mixed Business Innovation Zone Dimensional Regulations -Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-831 to the Planning Board- Majority Vote (5))
10i. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-832: Changes to §185-20. Signs, Mixed Business Innovation Zoning District -Referral to the Planning Board ( Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-832 to the Planning Board- Majority Vote (5))
10j. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-833: Zoning Map Changes from Industrial to Mixed Business Innovation on Area on or near Fisher and Hayward Streets -Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-833 to the Planning Board- Majority Vote (5))
10k. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-834: Changes to Sign District Overlay Map, Mixed Business Innovation Zoning District -Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-834 to the Planning Board- Majority Vote (5))

PDF copy of the memo shared above from Bryan Taberner, Director of Dept of Planning and Community Development
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczUnRybTFQVnNSLWJCMU5JYzIyTVY1bUg0Mll3/view?usp=sharing

Districts enumerated
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczUVpjWlpjSTQxVjNaeUNncHh2ZUFWaWc1TWJB/view?usp=sharing

Use regulations
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczb2JsbU41bDBia3V2M19IRzRmd2gwR0N1cGt3/view?usp=sharing

MBI zone dimensions
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczejdzaWo5VjlwV05KdU9CSUFfbGQ0UWVOZzdB/view?usp=sharing

Changes to §185-20
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczLTFRdWF0cEpHRzRYX1dIS296Si1wNEs2N0JB/view?usp=sharing

Zoning Map changes
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczMGhDd2xkOUhlMHRiM2xYdFNNaHB4d1NuWVZj/view?usp=sharing

Changes to signs for MBI
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczRHBaX3VxbG53NnJ5bnJrSlFrdEE3WDNaUmx3/view?usp=sharing

"proposed new zone called Mixed Business Innovation (MBI)"

While I missed the recent Economic Development Committee meeting on Wednesday, Eamon McCarthy Earls provides a recap on one of the agenda topics that I can share:

"At last night’s Economic Development Sub-committee, Bryan Taberner, Franklin’s Town Planner shared details about the proposed rezoning of the Clark, Cutler, McDermott factory. Taberner has diligently developed a proposed new zone called Mixed Business Innovation (MBI) that allows flexible uses to help the town generate good tax revenue and bring in new business. The new zone would encourage buyers to reuse the historic Clark, Cutler, McDermott factory for a wide variety of uses: 

• Warehousing or light industry (like its present use)
• Makerspaces
• Art studios
• Restaurants
• Breweries, taprooms and distilleries
• Startup offices

Continue reading Eamon's write up on the proposed zoning change
https://franklininsight.wordpress.com/2018/10/25/new-zoning-offers-exciting-opportunities-for-the-clark-cutler-mcdermott-property/

The published agenda for the Economic Development meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/10/economic-development-committee-agenda.html

"proposed new zone called Mixed Business Innovation (MBI)"