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

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)

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

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

May 3, 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 - None Scheduled.

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS - None Scheduled.

5. APPOINTMENTS - None Scheduled.

6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM

a. New Section 12 Restaurant Common Victualer All Alcohol License and Approval of Katrina Psikarakis as the Manager - Here Come Two Greeks, LLC d/b/a Sierra’s Brick Oven Pizza & Pub, Located at 370 King Street   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/6a._sierras_new_license_app.pdf

i. See 7: License Transactions (a) below

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

a. New Section 12 Restaurant Common Victualer All Alcohol License and Approval of Katrina Psikarakis as the Manager - Here Come Two Greeks, LLC d/b/a Sierra’s Brick Oven Pizza & Pub, Located at 370 King Street   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/7a.license_transaction_-_sierras.pdf

 

b. License Modification - Change of Manager: Rare Hospitality International, Inc. d/b/a Longhorn Steakhouse; Located at 250 Franklin Village Drive, Franklin, MA 02038   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/7b_license_transaction_-_longhorn.pdf

c. License Modification - Change of Officers/Directors/LLC Managers: 99 Restaurants of Boston, LLC d/b/a 99 Restaurant, Located at 847 West Central Street   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/7c._99_lic_trans.pdf

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Presentation: FY22 Financial Audit - Scott McIntire, Partner, Marcum LLP   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8a._presentation_-_audit.pdf

b. Presentation: Charles River Pollution Control District - Elizabeth Taglieri, Executive Director Charles River Pollution Control District  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8b._presentation_-_charles_river_pollution_control_district.pdf

    i. Legislation For Action 9 (a)

c. An Introduction to PFAS Regulations - DPW Director Brutus Cantoreggi and Water & Sewer Superintendent Doug Martin   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8c._memo_-_discussion_introduction_to_pfas_in_franklin.pdf

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Bylaw Amendment 23-897: Sewer Rate Increase - First Reading

(Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 23-897 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9a._23-897_-_sewer_rate_increase.pdf 

b. Resolution 23-30: Authorizing the Borrowing of Money to Pay Costs Associated with the Franklin Sewer System Asset Management Plan (CWSRF 12541)

(Motion to Approve Resolution 23-30 - ⅔ Majority Vote)      https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9b._23-30_-.pdf

c. Resolution 23-31: Authority For Town Administrator to File Clean Water State Revolving Fund Loan Application (Motion to Approve Resolution 23-31 - ⅔ Majority Vote)    https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9c._23-31.pdf

d. 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 - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 23-889 - Majority Roll Call Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9d._23-889.pdf

e. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-890: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at Chapter 185, Section 51 - Second Reading

(Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 23-890 - Majority Roll Call Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9e._23-890.pdf

f. Resolution 23-32: Gift Acceptance - Town of Franklin for Red Brick School House (Donation of “Established” Sign) (Motion to Approve Resolution 23-32 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9f._23-32_0.pdf

g. Resolution 23-29: FY23 Capital Round 2

(Motion to Approve Resolution 23-29 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9g._23-29_-.pdf

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

Agenda doc & remote participation info ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/town_council_meeting_agenda_may_3_2023.pdf

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

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)

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

Stormwater Utility Update scheduled for Town Council meeting Jan 18, 2023

Perhaps you noticed the green info sheet on the forth coming storm water fee being implemented in July 2023 in the quarterly real estate mailer. The Town Council has an info session on the long awaited credits for rain barrels, etc. that were discussed during the run up to the approval of the storm water fee.

From the Council agenda for Jan 18, 2023

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

 

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

From the Franklin Matters archive originally shared in April 2021:

One of the key items in all of the budget discussions is going to be the stormwater utility question. This has been a topic that has developed since 2007 when the initial storm water bylaw was passed. The EPA and Mass DEP have continued to add requirements to how storm water should be managed. The costs for such mitigations have grown over the years. The introduction of the storm water utility fee would allow the Town to better manage the impact on the Town budget.

Why must we manage storm water?

We are part of the area feeding into the Charles River and hence are under the provisions as outlined in the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) permit. We have an extensive outflow system to catch and manage storm water. Check out the map here -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/outfall_map.pdf 

Did the Town of Franklin sue the EPA?

Yes, and while we ultimately ‘lost’ the case, we did gain concessions on the implementation timeline that benefit all under the MS4 permit requirements.

When did the storm water bylaw pass?

The Storm water bylaw originally passed in 2007. Check out the bylaw language here -> https://ecode360.com/10434264

What is the storm water utility fee?

Article IV - storm water utility was added in Jan 2020. Bylaw #19-846 approved 9-0 vote. Check out the language here -> https://ecode360.com/FR1096/laws/LF1135684.pdf 

What is the MS4? 

Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems or by the shorter name MS4. The current storm water mitigation plan - updated in 2020 ->  Stormwater Management Plan (revised 2020)

Can I find out what my impervious coverage is?

Check out the impervious coverage map for your property -> https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/e45452a3047e4c83b27170a8f4f79aa5

If you need more info on the background and information around the storm water fee follow this link -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/04/the-stormwater-story-summary-for.html

The stormwater story summary for Franklin

Reminder: Order your rain barrel now, pick it up Sept 14

Reduce your water bill by utilizing a rain barrel to collect rainwater. When it rains you SAVE!

The Fall Residential Rain Barrel Program is currently open to residents - residents can order directly from The Great American Rain Barrel Company. 

The deadline to order is September 5 and pick up will be at the DPW on September 14 from 4-6 PM.

Order your rain barrel today!

Learn more about rain barrels here => https://www.franklinma.gov/stormwater-division/pages/rain-barrels

Note: while it has not yet determined how much of a credit, a rain barrel is an example of a credit against the future storm water fee. The storm water fee is expected to be implemented for July 2023.

Order your Rain Barrel before September 5, pick it up September 14

Order your Rain Barrel before September 5, pick it up September 14

Reduce your water bill by utilizing a rain barrel to collect rainwater. When it rains you SAVE!

The Fall Residential Rain Barrel Program is currently open to residents - residents can order directly from The Great American Rain Barrel Company. 

The deadline to order is September 5 and pick up will be at the DPW on September 14 from 4-6 PM.

Order your rain barrel today!

Learn more about rain barrels here => https://www.franklinma.gov/stormwater-division/pages/rain-barrels

Note: while it has not yet determined how much of a credit, a rain barrel is an example of a credit against the future storm water fee. The storm water fee is expected to be implemented for July 2023.

Order your Rain Barrel before September 5, pick it up September 14

Town Council Quarterbacking with Tom Mercer - 04/07/22 (audio)

FM #770 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 770 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 April  6, 2022: 

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following key topics

ISO Class-1 Announcement, Franklin Fire Department

 

APPOINTMENTS

a. New Employee: Fire Department - James Koch

b. New Employee: Fire Department - Michael Eaton

 

HEARINGS - 7:00 pm

a. Street Acceptances: Brandywine Drive and Portion of Charles Drive

i. Legislation for Action Item: 9b

 

LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

a. License Modification: Change of Location - NDO Enterprises, LLC d/ b/a Pour Richard’s Wine and Spirits, Located at 14 Grove Street

b. License Modification: Alteration of Premises - Let’s Eat Franklin, LLC d/b/a 3 Restaurant, Located at 461 West Central Street

c. New Section 12 Restaurant Common Victualer All Alcohol License and Approval of Veronika Matunin as the Manager - Windtop Acres d/b/a Birchwood Bakery, Located at 17 East Central Street

*** More restaurants operating now than pre-pandemic

 

PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSIONS

·   Presentation: ARPA Update - Town Administrator Jamie Hellen

 

Legislation

·   Storm water fee – final approval

·   Passport photo fee

Our conversation runs about 37 minutes:

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

Let’s listen to this recording of Town Council Quarterbacking April 7, 2022

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-770-tc-quarterbacking-04-07-22

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Town Council Agenda document -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/april_6_2022_town_council_agenda.pdf 

Town Council recap & Audio ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/04/town-council-hears-of-iso-class-1-for.html

My notes for the meeting -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/14KnmcHPUOPMAUQ7TgXS8YMvDbUHTxTGa/view?usp=sharing 

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

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"

Franklin Fire Chief James McLaughlin