Stormwater Utility Fee Implementation July 1, 2023 (video)

Stormwater Utility Credit Application Available Now

Starting July 1st, 2023, the Town will shift from funding Stormwater services through the town's general fund, to a more equitable and sustainable Stormwater Utility Fee structure. Property Owners are encouraged to view the brief stormwater utility fee video created by the town to learn more about stormwater funding, use of stormwater funds and more. 

The Stormwater Utility Fee structure is a community based solution to a community based problem. It rewards residential, commercial, and industrial property owners by allocating up to 50% credit on their stormwater utility fee.

There is 25% credit for stormwater "treatment" and a 25% credit on stormwater "storage". Below is a brief breakdown of the available credits...

Stormwater Utility Fee Implementation July 1, 2023

Residential Credits	Commercial & Large Residential Credits
Rain Barrel Porous Pavement / Pavers* Gravel Driveways * Rain Garden Dry Well French Drain Other Subsurface Recharge System *Porous pavers and gravel driveways qualify for an abatement Apply for yearly renewal.	Rain Garden Bioretention Area Detention/ Retention Basins Sediment Forebays Deep Sump or Leaching Catch Basin Tree Well Subsurface Structures Apply for renewal every 5 years.

Property owners can review a complete Credit Manual created by the DPW online here: https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/final_stormwater_utility_credit_manual_5-30-23_signed.pdf

Please note: All small users will be billed a minimum charge of 1 billing unit.

You may access the Stormwater Credit Application online here: https://franklinma.viewpointcloud.com/categories/1078

Want to calculate your Stormwater Utility Fee? Visit our Impervious Area Map and input your address: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/e45452a3047e4c83b27170a8f4f79aa5

You can learn more about stormwater via the Stormwater Division page on the website here: https://www.franklinma.gov/stormwater-division

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/stormwater-utility-fee-implementation-july-1-2023

Inclusionary zoning bylaw approved by Town Council in key action at meeting May 3 (audio)

FM #991 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 991 in the series.

The Franklin (MA) Town Council met on Wednesday, May 3, 2023 for their regular meeting and covered a number of items. One of the major achievements was the passage of the inclusionary zoning bylaw. This was one of the action items from the Franklin For All project and a significant accomplishment.

Among the other news worthy items on the agenda were

• All alcohol license approved for Sierra's Brick Oven Pizza
• Corporate record license changes for both Longhorn Restaurant and the 99 Restaurant were approved
• Financial Audit report for FY 2022 reveals a clean report, no actions, no management letter, the Town maintains their AAA rating status
• Presentation from the Charles River Pollution Control District
• Update on the long awaited Beaver St interceptor, bids came in below expectations, sewer rates will rise and remain to pay for the 20 year borrowing costs of this major infrastructure project
• PFAS regulation increases proposed by EPA can cost us significantly. Well 7 is currently offline, more wells may be in jeopardy of shutdown due to increased monitoring. Yet, PFAS is still being made, is a forever chemical and is major concern for future water supply quality and cost thereof

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-991-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-05-03-23

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The full agenda and documents associated with it can be found online ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/04/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-for-may.html

Franklin TV's video recording of the meeting is available for replay on YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/live/mhRDmkdk7og?feature=share

My notes captured via Twitter can be found in one PDF. 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gWiBSq_Q8vMNIUKv32jeLQtMypvF8fTb/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 iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda for the May 3, 2023 Meeting

What you need to know about the stormwater fee starting July 1, 2023 (audio)

FM #982 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 982 in the series. 

This session of Franklin Matters Radio shares the audio output of the panel session recorded in the Franklin TV Studio on March 13, 2023. This presents all you need to know about the stormwater fee commencing July 1,2023. We get into the development of this fee since 2008, the EPA unfunded mandate, the increasing costs that Town is absorbing, how the utility fee structure will make management of these costs more equitable and fair going forward.

We talk about the  GIS information you can use to confirm your impervious coverage, and the steps you can take to apply for credits or abatements.

My thanks to Derek Adams, Stormwater & Environmental Affairs Superintendent; Kate Sjoberg, Director of GIS, Town Councilor Melanie Hamblen, and last but not least, Robert (Brutus) Cantoreggi, DPW director for their help in preparing this video overview. Thanks also go to Chris Flynn and Chris Leverone of Franklin TV for their work recording and editing this video.

Video overview link -> https://youtu.be/klrXLBQJmoE 

The recording runs about 47 minutes so let’s listen to All You Need to Know on the Storm water utility fee coming July 1, 2023.

Audio file ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-982-stormwater-overview-all-you-need-to-know-03-13-23

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Credit manual (draft) ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/draft_stormwater_utility_credit_manual_rev_3_10.24.22_watermark.pdf 

Impervious Area Map  ->  https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/e45452a3047e4c83b27170a8f4f79aa5 

Video archive 
DPW Stormwater Management 05/22/2019 link -> https://youtu.be/N5k353qtAig

DPW Stormwater Management 03/06/20  link -> https://youtu.be/oNQVHT-Xl48 

DPW Stormwater Management 03/11/20   link -> https://youtu.be/SIiXKBcnDeY 

DPW Stormwater Management 09/09/20  link ->  https://youtu.be/nc-CkfeD4M8

All you need to know about the storm water utility fee 03/13/23 ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/04/all-you-need-to-know-about-stormwater.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"

All you need to know about the stormwater utility fee & what to do before July 1, 2023 (video)

All you need to know about the stormwater utility fee & what to do before July 1, 2023 (video)

All you need to know about the stormwater fee commencing July 1,2023. We get into the development of this fee since 2008, the EPA unfunded mandate, the increasing costs that Town is absorbing, how the utility fee structure will make management of these costs more equitable and fair going forward.

We talk about the  GIS information you can use to confirm your impervious coverage, and the steps you can take to apply for credits or abatements.

My thanks to Derek Adams, Stormwater & Environmental Affairs Superintendent; Kate Sjoberg, Director of GIS, Town Councilor Melanie Hamblen, and last but not least, Robert (Brutus) Cantoreggi, DPW director for their help in preparing this video overview. Thanks also go to Chris Flynn and Chris Leverone of Franklin TV for their work recording and editing this video.

Video overview link -> https://youtu.be/klrXLBQJmoE 

Credit manual (draft) ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/draft_stormwater_utility_credit_manual_rev_3_10.24.22_watermark.pdf 

Impervious Area Map  ->  https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/e45452a3047e4c83b27170a8f4f79aa5 

Video archive 

DPW Stormwater Management 05/22/2019 link -> https://youtu.be/N5k353qtAig

DPW Stormwater Management 03/06/20  link -> https://youtu.be/oNQVHT-Xl48 

DPW Stormwater Management 03/11/20   link -> https://youtu.be/SIiXKBcnDeY 

DPW Stormwater Management 09/09/20  link ->  https://youtu.be/nc-CkfeD4M8

DPW Stormwater Management 05/22/19

   

 DPW Stormwater Management 03/06/20

   

 DPW Stormwater Management 03/11/20 

   

 DPW Stormwater Management 09/09/20 

All you need to know about the stormwater utility fee & what to do before July 1, 2023 (video)

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting Agenda - February 22, 2023 - 6 PM

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting

Agenda & Meeting Packet

February 22, 2023 - 6 PM

Agenda:

1. Discussion: An overview of the “Chapter 40B”

a. A Chapter 40B primer by the state Department of Housing and Community

Development (DHCD)  https://www.mass.gov/chapter-40-b-planning-and-information

b. A staff memo and slideshow will be forthcoming at the meeting.

2. Discussion & Project Presentation: 121 Grove Street, a “Friendly 40B”

a. Friendly 40B process ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/2a._-_friendly_40b_process.pdf

b. Median Income Qualifications ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/2b._-_median_income_qualifications.pdf

c. 121 Grove Street Application ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/2c._-_121_grove_st._application_redacted.pdf

d. 121 Grove Street Site Plan ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/2d._-_121_grove_st._site_plan.pdf

e. Planning Board comment letter ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/2e._-_planning_board_letter.pdf

f. Conservation Commission comment letter  ->  

The agenda doc contains remote participation info ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/_2023-02-22_edc_agenda_.pdf

 

Chapter 40B primer by the state Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) 

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

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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

Town of Franklin: Finance Committee - Agenda for Feb 8, 2023 - 7 PM

Finance Committee Meeting

Agenda & Meeting Packet

Wednesday, February 8, 2023 - 7:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building

2nd floor, Council Chambers, 355 East Central Street

Agenda

1. Call to Order

2. Public Comment

3. Approval of Minutes: None

4. The Bill Dowd “Deep Dive” Series

a. Discussion: Land Use, Permitting and Community Planning departments

i. Building & Inspections, Community Planning and Development, Health,

5. Stormwater Utility Updates

a. Draft Credit Manual   

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/draft_stormwater_utility_credit_manual_rev_3_10.24.22_watermark.pdf

b. Town Stormwater Division website  

https://www.franklinma.gov/stormwater-division

6. Standing Updates:

a. None

7. Future Agenda Items

a. March - Joint Budget Subcommittee - FY24 Budget model

b. April - Community Preservation & ARPA updates

c. May - Budget hearings

8. Adjourn

The agenda doc also includes remote participation info

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

The stormwater story summary for Franklin

Town Council hears updates on Senior Center activities and future plans; hears details on storm water fee and credit process (audio)

FM #919 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 919 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town Council meeting held in Council Chambers on Wednesday, January 18, 2023. All 9 members of the Council were present in the Council Chambers.

Quick recap:

• Presentation on the first year at the Senior Center by Director Danielle Hopkins and Deputy Director Christina Larose; introduction of multi year plan, service enhancements, etc.

• Storm water presentation, how to find your property on the map, and calculate your fee; Then discussion on the credit booklet and process for applying; business would apply every five years, residents yearly

• Announcement of the Town Council members for the four committees authorized at the prior meeting, some of these will start right away, some later this year. The application process for residents to express interest is still forthcoming. These are the Councilors who will lead the efforts as Chair, Vice-chair and clerk

Committee	Chair	Vice-chair	Clerk
Ad-Hoc Arts & Culture	Frongillo	Cormier-Leger	Hamblen
Master Plan	Jones	Frongillo	Hamblen
Davis Thayer Reuse	Pellegri	Sheridan	Cormier-Leger
Police Station Building	Mercer	Chandler	Dellorco

The recording runs 2 and 30 minutes. Let’s listen to the Town Council meeting on January 18, 2023. 

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-919-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-01-18-23

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Meeting agenda and documents released for this session -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/january_18_2023_town_council_agenda.pdf

PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Presentation: One Year Update of the Franklin Senior Center - Danielle Hopkins, Senior Center Director and Christina Larose, Deputy Director

i. Slideshow presentation  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8a._i._sr._ctr._presentation.pdf

ii. Senior Center 2030: A 7-year strategic plan for the Franklin Council on Aging   

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8a._ii._sr._ctr._vision_action_plan.pdf

b. Discussion: Stormwater Utility Update

i. Update Memo & Draft Stormwater Credit Manual   

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8b._stormwater.pdf

ii. Stormwater property specific impervious surface website portal   

https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/e45452a3047e4c83b27170a8f4f79aa5

My notes in one threaded PDF document -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vbE1XAvX72g7re8HIVoIjlupvZn6Cgzk/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 iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Town Council hears updates on Senior Center activates and future plans; hears details on storm water fee and credit process (audio)