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| Stormwater credit timelines for 2024 |
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...
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| Stormwater Utility Fee Implementation July 1, 2023 |
| Residential Credits | Commercial & Large Residential Credits |
|---|---|
*Porous pavers and gravel driveways qualify for an abatement Apply for yearly renewal. |
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
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.
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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
DPW Stormwater Management 03/06/20 link -> https://youtu.be/oNQVHT-Xl48
DPW Stormwater Management 03/11/20 link -> https://youtu.be/SIiXKBcnDeY
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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"
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| All you need to know about the stormwater utility fee & what to do before July 1, 2023 (video) |
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| Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda for the May 3, 2023 Meeting |
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
a. Discussion: Land Use, Permitting and Community Planning departmentsi. Building & Inspections, Community Planning and Development, Health,
a. Draft Credit Manualhttps://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/draft_stormwater_utility_credit_manual_rev_3_10.24.22_watermark.pdfb. Town Stormwater Division websitehttps://www.franklinma.gov/stormwater-division
a. None
a. March - Joint Budget Subcommittee - FY24 Budget modelb. April - Community Preservation & ARPA updatesc. May - Budget hearings
i. Update Memo & Draft Stormwater Credit Manualhttps://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8b._stormwater.pdfii. Stormwater property specific impervious surface website portalhttps://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/e45452a3047e4c83b27170a8f4f79aa5
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)
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.
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.
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| 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.
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 |
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
--------------
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"
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| Franklin Fire Chief James McLaughlin |
