Planning Board & Town Council public hearings scheduled for Inclusionary Zoning bylaw changes

In accordance with the provisions of M.G.L. Chapter 40A, Section 5, notice is hereby given that the Planning Board will hold a Public Hearing on Monday, March 13, 2023 at 7:00 PM and the Town Council will hold a Public Hearing on Wednesday, April 12 at 7:00 PM to consider amending Chapter 185, Attachment 7, Part VI of the Code of the Town of Franklin.

• https://www.franklinma.gov/legal-notices/agenda/zoning-bylaw-amendment-23-889-multifamily-density-planning-board

In accordance with the provisions of M.G.L. Chapter 40A, Section 5, notice is hereby given that the Planning Board will hold a Public Hearing on Monday, March 13, 2023 at 7:00 PM and the Town Council will hold a Public Hearing on Wednesday, April 12 at 7:00 PM to to consider amending Chapter 185 of the Code of the Town of Franklin.

• https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/public_hearing_notice_23-890.pdf

Planning Board & Town Council public hearings scheduled for Inclusionary Zoning bylaw changes

Town Council Quarterbacking with Tom Mercer to condense the meeting of 2/15/23 (audio)

FM #946 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 946 in the series. 

This shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. This is one of a series of conversations meant to provide a recap of the prior Council meeting. Akin to one of the many sports post-game analysis broadcasts we are familiar with in New England,  this would be a discussion focused on the Franklin Town Council meeting of Feb 15, 2023: 

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following key topics

Street Acceptances: Maple Tree Lane & Oak Tree Lane

Three key items regarding money were all approved by 8-0-1 votes (8 for, none against, 1 absent (Pellegri))

• Resolution 23-18: FY23 Capital Improvement Plan

• Resolution 23-19: Free Cash to Stabilization Accounts Transfers

• Resolution 23-20: Water Retained Earnings Transfer to Water Main Capital Project R19-05

The two referrals to the Planning Board on Inclusionary Zoning were also moved forward after some clarification questions by the Councilors were answered by TA Jamie Hellen or Bryan Taberner, Director of Planning and Community Development.

• Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-889: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at  Chapter 185, Attachment 7., Part VI, Use Regulation Schedule: Residential Uses - Referral to the Planning Board 

• Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-890: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at  Chapter 185, Section 5 - Referral to the Planning Board

4 podcasts in housing/zoning Franklin For All ‘series’ provide additional details

Senior Center update, café priority for opening

Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents released for this meeting are included in the show notes. 

Our conversation runs about 35 minutes. Let’s listen to this session of Town Council Quarterbacking recorded Feb 16, 2023

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-946-town-council-quarterbacking-02-16-23

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

The complete agenda doc  ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/feb_15_2023_agenda.pdf

The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->   https://www.youtube.com/live/TxINM8EMueg?feature=share 

My notes and the audio of the meeting will be ready in a couple of days. In the meantime, the PDF with my Twitter thread of notes is available here

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1e3mWHu8EEyeIooV0ryedEmH-aY3hdmGY/view?usp=share_link

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

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 your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Town Council Quarterbacking with Tom Mercer to condense the meeting of 2/15/23 (audio)

Franklin TV: Town Council approves capital budget, refers inclusionary zoning bylaw to Planning Board for review (video)

The Franklin Town Council meeting on Wednesday, Feb 15, 2023 efficiently addressed the items on its agenda. The meeting last 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Three key items regarding money were all approved by 8-0-1 votes (8 for, none against, 1 absent (Pellegri))

• Resolution 23-18: FY23 Capital Improvement Plan
• Resolution 23-19: Free Cash to Stabilization Accounts Transfers
• Resolution 23-20: Water Retained Earnings Transfer to Water Main Capital Project R19-05

The two referrals to the Planning Board on Inclusionary Zoning were also moved forward after some clarification questions by the Councilors were answered by TA Jamie Hellen or Bryan Taberner, Director of Planning and Community Development.

• Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-889: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at  Chapter 185, Attachment 7., Part VI, Use Regulation Schedule: Residential Uses - Referral to the Planning Board 
• Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-890: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at  Chapter 185, Section 5 - Referral to the Planning Board 

The complete agenda doc  ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/feb_15_2023_agenda.pdf

The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->   https://www.youtube.com/live/TxINM8EMueg?feature=share 

My notes and the audio of the meeting will be ready in a couple of days. In the mean time, the PDF with my Twitter thread of notes is available here

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1e3mWHu8EEyeIooV0ryedEmH-aY3hdmGY/view?usp=share_link

Franklin, MA: Town Council February 15, 2023 Agenda

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

February 15, 2023 - 7:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building

2nd floor, Council Chambers 355 East Central Street 

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 members participating remotely.

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS

a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three 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. February 1, 2023

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS - None Scheduled.

5. APPOINTMENTS - None Scheduled.

6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM

a. Street Acceptances: Maple Tree Lane & Oak Tree Lane

i. Legislation for Action Item 9a

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled.

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION - None Scheduled.

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 23-17: Order of Acceptance of Maple Tree Lane and Oak Tree Lane as Public Ways and Related Utility and Drainage Easements (Motion to Approve Resolution 23-17 - Two-thirds Majority Vote)

b. Resolution 23-18: FY23 Capital Improvement Plan (Motion to Approve Resolution 23-18 - Majority Vote)

c. Resolution 23-19: Free Cash to Stabilization Accounts Transfers (Motion to Approve Resolution 23-19 - Majority Vote)

d. Resolution 23-20: Water Retained Earnings Transfer to Water Main Capital Project R19-05 (Motion to Approve Resolution 23-20 - Majority Vote)

e. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-889: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at  Chapter 185, Attachment 7., Part VI, Use Regulation Schedule: Residential Uses - Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Bylaw Amendment 23-889 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)

f. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-890: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at  Chapter 185, Section 5 - Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Bylaw Amendment 23-890 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)

g. Bylaw Amendment 23-893: Amendment to Sewer System Map - First Reading

(Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 23-893 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)

h. Resolution 23-21: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44,§53F3/4 (Motion to Approve Resolution 23-21 - Majority Vote)

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Capital Budget Subcommittee

b. Economic Development Subcommittee

c. Budget Subcommittee

d. GATRA Advisory Board

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION - None Scheduled.

15. ADJOURN

Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

The agenda doc also includes remote participation info ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/feb_15_2023_agenda.pdf

Franklin Fire Dept - Tower 1 unit at the downtown fire station

Talking about the Master Plan Committee with Glenn Jones - 02/06/23 (audio)

FM #941 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 941 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Town Councilor Glenn Jones. We met in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio to talk about the opportunity to help develop the “Master Plan” for Franklin. 

The Committee was recently established by the Town Council (01/04/23 meeting). Glenn has just been appointed as Chair. Councilor Cobi Frongillo will be Vice-Chair and Councilor Melanie Hamblen will be Clerk of the committee.

Applications for the 6 resident members of the committee are open and due by March 3, 2023.

The audio recording runs about 38 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Glenn on the Master Plan and all that it will involve. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-941-master-plan-opportunity-with-glenn-jones-02-06-23

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

Applications for the Master Plan committee and other volunteer opportunities as discussed https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/town-volunteer-opportunities

Master Plan charter (Town Council resolution creating committee) ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9h._23-07_master_plan_update_comm.pdf 

Master Plan from 2013 (full 200+ pages) ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/planning-community-development/files/master-pan-2013 

Master Plan from 2013 (abridged version) -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/planning-community-development/files/goals-policies-and-implementation-plan 

Master Plan update as of 2020 ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/planning-community-development/files/2020-master-plan-update 

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

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"

The current Master Plan was completed in 2013 and due for an update

Finance Committee hears from the Town permitting departments and reviews the stormwater credit manual (audio)

FM #939 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 939 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Finance Committee meeting held on Wednesday, Feb 8, 2023. 

Five members of the Finance Committee participated (4 absent); present in the Council Chambers were M Hamilton, N Corbosiero, Chair G Conley, N Riley, T Hansen. 

The Finance Committee continued their 'deep dive' series to hear about the permit organizations within the Town of Franklin and their first view of the stormwater credit manual currently in draft. 

These departments account for the "local receipts" portion of the Town revenue stream. The departments in order of presentation were Building & Inspections, Community Planning and Development (including Conservation) and Health.

Interesting to note that while MA general law does not require us to have a police or fire department, it does mandate these other departments.

The meeting recording runs 1 hour and 56 minutes, so let’s listen to the Finance Committee meeting Feb 8, 2023. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-939-franklin-ma-finance-cmte-mtg-02-08-23

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

Meeting agenda -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/fin_com_agenda_-_feb_8_2023.pdf 

Draft stormwater credit manual -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/draft_stormwater_utility_credit_manual_rev_3_10.24.22_watermark.pdf 

Franklin TV Video link ->  

https://www.youtube.com/live/cWmkflTkiMs?feature=share 

My notes in one PDF (including screen grabs of the presentations)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1a-PEcRqSbqUS-9YEEv4tAgGBb32ksUOo/view?usp=share_link 

Link to Finance Committee => https://www.franklinma.gov/finance-committee 

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

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"

multiple views of Derek Adams and Kate Sjoberg talking about storm water

Franklin TV video of Finance Committee meeting 2/08/23 is available for replay (video)

The Finance Committee met on Wednesday February 8, 2023 and continued their 'deep dive' series to hear about the permit organizations within the Town of Franklin and their first view of the storm water credit manual currently in draft. 

These departments account for the "local receipts" portion of the Town revenue stream. The departments in order of presentation were Building & Inspections, Community Planning and Development (including Conservation) and Health.

Interesting to note that while MA general law does not require us to have a police or fire department, it does mandate these other departments.

Meeting agenda ->

Franklin TV Video link ->  

https://www.youtube.com/live/cWmkflTkiMs?feature=share

My notes in one PDF (including screen grabs of the presentations)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1a-PEcRqSbqUS-9YEEv4tAgGBb32ksUOo/view?usp=share_link

My recap and the meeting audio will be available in a couple of days.

multiple views of Derek Adams and Kate Sjoberg talking about storm water

Economic Development Subcommittee + Steering Committee Meeting agenda - Jan 25, 2023 - 6 PM

Economic Development Subcommittee + Steering Committee Meeting

Agenda & Meeting Packet

January 25, 2023 - 6:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building

2nd floor, Council Chambers

355 East Central Street

Agenda:

1. Zoning - Inclusionary Zoning

a. 22-889: Use Regulations Schedule - Residential

i. September 15, 2022 DCPD Memo & Staff Recommendation

ii. Map of a half mile circle from the train station

iii. Sample of a 40,000 square foot development in GRV

2. Initial Discussion: Accessory Dwelling Units

Agenda doc includes remote participation info ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/edc_agenda_jan_25_2023.pdf

Economic Development Subcommittee + Steering Committee Meeting agenda - Jan 25, 2023 - 6 PM

Downtown Zoning Discussion with Councilors Hamblen & Frongillo - 12/19/22 (audio)

FM #904 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 904 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of my conversation with Town Councilors Melanie Hamblen and Cobi Frongillo. We met in the Franklin TV Studio on Monday, Dec 19, 2022.

We talked about inclusionary zoning and other zoning items from the “Franklin For All” project which are now in the review and discussion process with the Economic Development Subcommittee that Melanie Chairs and for which Cobi is Vice-Chair. 

 

The recording of our conversation on zoning runs about 45 minutes. Let’s listen in.

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-904-downtown-zoning-discussion-12-19-22

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

Cobi’s ride around Franklin taking photos of housing types

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DG0iuZH0MmITC6GVDqL_zsZSV--9eq4s/view?usp=share_link

Cobi shared some Franklin Housing Data from DataTown (provided by MHP) via a Twitter thread  https://twitter.com/CobiFrongillo/status/1516768940579606532

Prior discussion with Cobi on housing conference -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/05/conversation-with-town-councilor-cobi.html

Prior discussion on Franklin For All project -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/03/this-franklin-for-all-discussion.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"

examples of current Franklin housing from Cobi's bike ride around Franklin