Agenda for the initial Master Plan Committee meeting Wednesday, June 14, 2023 - 6:30 PM

Master Plan Committee 

Agenda for June 14, 2023 6:30 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building Town Council Chambers

355 East Central Street

1. Swearing in of Master Plan Committee Members 

- by Town Clerk Nancy Danello

2. Introductions

a. Town Council

b. Planning Board

c. Zoning Board

d. Conservation Commission

e. Members At-Large

f. BETA & Barrett

3. Rules, Policies, and Procedures

a. In-House Communications, Town Emails, and Data Collection storage

i. Google Town Emails, use of.

ii. Google Drive for DATA/Information Storage (Amy Love)

b. Robert's Rules of Order

c. State Open Meeting Law

i. Open Meeting Law Guide and Educational Materials | Mass.gov

d. Commonwealth of Massachusetts, General Law on Master Plans

i. MGL Section 81D: Master plan; economic development supplement

4. Current 2013 Master Plan Document

a. 2013 Master Plan Document

b. Goals & Policies

c. Land Use

d. Natural, Cultural and Historic Resources

e. Open Space and Recreation

f. Circulation

g. Housing

h. Economic Development

i. Community Services and Facilities

j. Implementation Plan

5. Committee Charge:

a. Master Plan Charge

b. Five Sub-Committees

i. Land Use & Zoning Subcommittee (6 Members)

ii. Housing & Economic Development (3 Members)

iii. Community Services, Facilities, & Circulation (3 Members)

iv. Sustainability (3 Members)

v. Open Space & Recreation and Natural, Cultural, & Historic Resources (4 Members)

The agenda doc also contains remote participation info ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/june_14_2023_mp_agenda_0.pdf

 The Master Plan update Committee page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/master-plan-update-committee

Agenda for the initial Master Plan Committee meeting Wednesday, June 14, 2023 - 6:30 PM

Economic Development Subcmte hears of grant for Nu-Style clean up, discusses GR 5 & cannabis overlap zoning modification (audio)

FM #1007 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1007 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the Economic Development Subcommittee held on Wednesday, June 7, 2023 in the Council Chambers with all 4 members participating in the Council Chambers.

Quick recap:

• Nu-Style property now has $600K from two sources; $100K from ARPA funds, and a new grant received for $500K. Thanks to Brian Taberner who has continued to write for grants for this brownfield project and persisted in that effort

• General residential zoning changes initially proposed to increase the impervious coverage for the property and for the property plus parking would be increased as well as reducing the setbacks required for multi-family 

• Discussion around what percent the amounts should be, was currently, initially proposed to increase to 35, 45. 

• Amendment to change to 50, 60, second; after discussion amendment revised to be 45,55, seconded, passes 3-1 (Jones no)

• Recommendations as amended to move to the Council, passes unanimous 4-0

• Cannabis overlay district; this is literally only a house cleaning of the map itself, nothing else in the bylaw changes. As businesses changed, this allowed for other changes with restrictions removed

The recording of the meeting runs just under 1 hour.   audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1007-economic-development-subcmte-mtg-06-07-23

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The agenda doc also includes remote participation info ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/edc_meeting_agenda_-_june_7_2023.pdf

Franklin TV YouTube video ->  https://www.youtube.com/live/UbMxtOXP6ms?feature=share 

My notes captured via Twitter during the meeting (in 1 PDF file)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZCa5NThqjXcxviE57inxIZMM7ycfnT9B/view?usp=drive_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"

Economic Development Subcommittee - Agenda for June 7, 2023  Meeting at 5:45 PM

Economic Development Subcommittee hears of grants for Nu-Style clean up, discusses GR 5 & cannabis overlap zoning modification (video)

The Economic Development Subcommittee met on Wednesday, June 7, 2023 (prior to the Town Council meeting) and covered three key items as follows:

Quick recap:

• Nu-Style property now has $600K to support its clean up from two sources; $100K from ARPA funds, and a new grant received for $500K. Thanks to Brian Taberner who has continued to write for grants for this brownfield project and persisted in that effort

• General residential 5 (GR 5) zoning changes initially proposed to increase the impervious coverage for the property and for the property plus parking would be increased as well as reducing the setbacks required for multi-family 

• Discussion around what percent the amounts should be, was currently, initially proposed to increase to 35, 45. 

• Amendment to change to 50, 60, second; after discussion amendment revised to be 45,55, seconded, passes 3-1 (Jones no)

• Recommendations as amended to move to the Council, passes unanimous 4-0

• Cannabis overlay district; this is literally only a house cleaning of the map itself, nothing else in the bylaw changes. As businesses changed, this allowed for other changes with restrictions removed

Franklin TV YouTube video ->  https://www.youtube.com/live/UbMxtOXP6ms?feature=share 

The agenda doc also includes remote participation info ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/edc_meeting_agenda_-_june_7_2023.pdf

My notes captured via Twitter during the meeting (in 1 PDF file)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZCa5NThqjXcxviE57inxIZMM7ycfnT9B/view?usp=drive_link 

Economic Development Subcommittee - Agenda for June 7, 2023  Meeting at 5:45 PM

The Franklin For All series continues with a discussion on Design Review - 05/30/23 (audio)

FM #1005 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1005 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the housing and zoning discussion with Brad Chafee, Melanie Hamblen, Cobi Frongillo, and Sam Williams. Most of us were in the Franklin TV Studio on Tuesday, May 30, 2023. Cobi joined us via the Zoom conference bridge.

Consider this a continuation of the downtown zoning discussion from the “Franklin For All” project which is underway with review and discussion at the Economic Development Subcommittee Plus meetings that Melanie Chairs and for which Cobi is Vice-Chair.  

We were joined by Sam Williams for this session to include his insights as the Vice-Chair of the Design Review Commission.  

The conversation centered on design aspects of the ongoing Franklin For All discussion. Design Review had come up in a couple of the prior sessions so we decided to spend some time on it here with Sam. 

The recording of our conversation on zoning runs about 58 minutes. Let’s listen in. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1005-franklin-for-all-7-talks-about-design-review-05-30-23

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The collection of Franklin For All zoning discussions can be found here ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/02/franklin-for-all-housing-zoning-podcast.html

Design Review page  https://www.franklinma.gov/design-review-commission 

Design Review Guidelines (established in 2005)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/guidelines.pdf 

Design Review Best Practices (as updated in 2016) https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/best_development_guidebook_sept_2016_1.pdf 

  

Sign guidelines mentioned but more likely to be part of a future discussion

https://www.franklinma.gov/design-review-commission/pages/sign-guidelines 

Note: the twice monthly Design Review meetings are usually scheduled for the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays each month. I personally haven’t been able to attend as this schedule conflicts with the School Committee meetings.

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

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 Franklin For All series continues with a discussion on Design Review - 05/30/23 (audio)

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda for June 7, 2023

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

June 7, 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. April 12, 2023 -  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/3a._april_12_2023_tc_meeting_minutes_-draft_for_review_1.pdf

b. April 26, 2023 - 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/3b._april_26_2023_tc_meeting_minutes_-draft_for_review.pdf

c. May 3, 2023 -  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/3c._may_3_2023_tc_meeting_minutes_-draft_for_review.pdf

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

a. Recognition: Electric Youth

5. APPOINTMENTS

a. Annual Reappointments of Boards and Committees

i. See “Committee Appointments” in packet for names -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/5a._committee_renewals_2023.pdf

b. Davis-Thayer Building Reuse Advisory Committee

i. See “Appointments: Davis-Thayer Building Reuse Advisory Committee” in packet for names  -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/5b._davis_thayer_committee_appointments.pdf

 

6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM

a. License Modification - Change of Officers/Directors/LLC Managers, Change of Stock Interest: Dharma Bhakti Corporation d/b/a Liquor World, Located at 365 West Central St., Franklin, MA 02038

i. See 7: License Transactions (a) below -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/6a._liquor_world.pdf

b. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-894: To Amend Chapter 185, Section 3 of the Code of the Town of Franklin to add Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Definition

i. Legislation for Action Item #9a -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/6b-d._adu_hearings.pdf

c. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-895R (formerly 23-895): To Amend Chapter 185, Attachment 8, Use Regulations Schedule Part VII: Accessory Uses of the Franklin Town Code to Add Accessory Dwelling Residential Units

i. Legislation for Action Item #9b 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/6b-d._adu_hearings.pdf

d. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-896: To Amend Chapter 185, Section 19 of the Code of the Town of Franklin to Add on Accessory Dwelling Unit Setbacks

i. Legislation for Action Item #9c  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/6b-d._adu_hearings.pdf

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

a. License Modification - Change of Officers/Directors/LLC Managers, Change of Stock Interest: Dharma Bhakti Corporation d/b/a Liquor World, Located at 365 West Central St., Franklin, MA 02038

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

• a. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-894: To Amend Chapter 185, Section 3 of the Code of the Town of Franklin to add Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Definition - First Reading  (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-894 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9a._bylaw_amendment_23-894_-_185-3_definitions.pdf
• b. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-895R (formerly 23-895): To Amend Chapter 185, Attachment 8, Use Regulations Schedule Part VII: Accessory Uses of the Franklin Town Code to Add Accessory Dwelling Residential Units - First Reading (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-895R to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9b._bylaw_amendment_23-895r_-_185_attachment_8_1.pdf
• c. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-896: To Amend Chapter 185, Section 19 of the Code of the Town of Franklin to Add on Accessory Dwelling Unit Setbacks - First Reading  (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-896 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9c._bylaw_amendment_23-896_-_185-19_accessory_buildings_and_structures.pdf
• d. Resolution 23-39: FY2024 Budget Adjustment (Motion to Approve Resolution 23-39 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9d_23-39_budget_adjustment.pdf
• e. Resolution 23-40: MECC Stabilization Account Transfer to MECC Appropriation FY24 (Motion to Approve Resolution 23-40 - ⅔ Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9e._resolution_23-40_mecc_stabilization_transfer_to_mecc_fy24.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 and remote participation info -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_-_june_7_2023.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda for June 7, 2023 

Reminder: Join Cobi & I for a walk and talk about Franklin today (5/06/23 at 10:30 AM)

Should be good weather today for a walk!

You are invited to join Town Councilor Cobi Frongillo & I as we walk and talk about Franklin, zoning, interesting tidbits, etc. 

We'll meet at the High St side of the Town Common and leave at 10:30 AM Saturday morning, May 6, 2023.

The route as proposed is just over 3 miles (or about 5 K) that will bring us back to the Common. We should return to the Common by about noon.

• Dress for the weather whatever it is or forecasted to be for Saturday
• Bring along water (talking makes one thirsty)
• Wheels and paws are welcome to come along

Photo of the walking route (Counter clockwise)

Interactive Maps (via MapMyWalk) 

Counter clockwise  https://www.mapmywalk.com/routes/view/5511189451

Clockwise  -> https://www.mapmywalk.com/routes/view/5518318138/ 

Franklin's first participation in the national annual @janeswalk, in honor of the late social activist Jane Jacobs - May 6, 10:30 AM

Economic Development Subcmte reviews and sets priorities for remainder of year (audio)

FM #989 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 989 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the Economic Development Subcommittee held on Wednesday, May 3, 2023 in the Council Chambers with all 4 members participating in the Council Chambers.

Quick recap:

• Healthy discussion on the next steps for each of the outstanding remaining goals on the list:

• 40r was the #1 priority for MAPC, within which the specified design standards and dimensional standards (lot coverage, stories, setbacks, etc.) really need to be addressed whether we do 40r or not

• Shared parking policy (maybe some incentives to entice coordination for private space)

• Review sidewalk snow removal bylaw (review map put together by Brutus)

• Research changes to the home occupation business bylaw (interested in but will take time to do properly)

• Review the marijuana overlay district (some adjustments needed, Kenwood Circle, Amgeo on Washington St, etc.)

• Review the cell phone tower overlay district and consider a 5G local permitting bylaw (maybe just research required)

Resulting priorities

1. GR 5 impervious coverage

2. Cannabis overlay district

3. Design stuff - Barrette contract product output

4. Snow removal on sidewalks (Brutus’ map)

The recording of the meeting runs just under 1 hour.   

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-989-economic-development-subcmte-mtg-05-03-23

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The agenda doc also includes remote participation info ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/_2023-05-03_edc_agenda__0.pdf 

Franklin TV YouTube video ->  https://www.youtube.com/live/IEFqlGhx-ho 

My notes captured via Twitter during the meeting (in 1 PDF file)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ROvOLHRTDdYrqJ49AYdRk6S7naue3Ylb/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"

Economic Development Subcommittee - May 3, 2023 - Agenda