Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Live reporting - Legislation
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
none
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 12-75-R: Town of Franklin Net Metering Power Purchase Agreement Authorization
motion to approve, passed 8-0
2. Resolution 12-85: Appropriation - Technology-Consulting
motion to approve, passed 8-0
Nutting - due to requirements for state level reporting, request to outsource some services and to hire someone to backfill the position to cover what we need. The world is becoming more technical not less. A new technology can bring us to a complete standstill. It is short money for a big bang.
3. Resolution 12-86: Appropriation - Health Insurance Payroll Withholdings Account
motion to approve, passed 8-0
Susan Gagner - in FY 12, some money was charged to the employee account in error. The Town had a surplus closed out to Free Cash. Looking to take the money back to cover the account. If found earlier, it could have been done with an accounting transfer
4. Resolution 12-87: Appropriation – Kensington Estates
motion to approve, passed 8-0
Nutting -a four lot subdivision was proposed off Beach St, one developer sold it to another who didn't finish the road. This amount will cover the work, the DPW will cover the work in the summer of 2013
5. Resolution 12-88: Acceptance of Gift - Recreation
motion to approve, passed 8-0
Nutting - a small donation, we'll send a thank you
6. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 12-695:Changes to § 185-31. Site Plan and Design Review- 1st Reading
motion to table 12-695, 12-696, 12-697 to next meeting , passed 8-0
7. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 12-696:Changes to § 185-20. H. Signs. Sign Approvals- 1st Reading
8. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 12-697:Changes to § 185-45. N. Administration and Enforcement. Design Review Commission- 1st Reading
Live reporting - Citizens Committee update
Larry Bennedetto
the committee was going to have a final report tonight but the committee has decided to stay in business as there are some things remaining to do
We have been working with the T on the train station, it is a mess down there and we are trying to do something with it.
I heard tonight that Jim Vallee is willing to work on the committee, so we may come back to change the membership
the committee was going to have a final report tonight but the committee has decided to stay in business as there are some things remaining to do
We have been working with the T on the train station, it is a mess down there and we are trying to do something with it.
I heard tonight that Jim Vallee is willing to work on the committee, so we may come back to change the membership
Live reporting: Public Hearing - Site Plan and Design Review
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
none
E. APPOINTMENTS
none
F. HEARINGS – 7:10 PM
1. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 12-695:Changes to § 185-31. Site Plan and Design Review
2. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 12-696:Changes to § 185-20. H. Signs. Sign Approvals
3. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 12-697:Changes to § 185-45. N. Administration and Enforcement. Design Review Commission
Overview from Jeff Nutting
how do we make this process simpler? If an existing space and not changing much, how do we make it easier; no site plan or limited site plan. We think it is a fair proposal to streamline the process. Currently all have to go through the full process. If there are tweaks required, we can do so between the 1st and 2nd reading.
Bryan Taberner, Director Planning and Community Development
Beth Dahstrom, Town Planner
Gus Brown, Building Inspector
Currently only one process in place, the Planning Board is stuck forcing all proposals to follow the same way.
12-695 a complete re-write of the site plan and design review bylaw
12-696 removes sign sections from this and puts them into one place as opposed to across documents
12-697 administration and enforcement information on the Design Review Commission
Economic Development committee has recommended this as well as the Planning Board
I also recommend looking at the comparison chart
Pfeffer - this makes no sense to me, hasn't from the beginning, doesn't now
Roy - why 500 sq ft the rule for exemption, just curious for the amount to make this the exemption
Taberner - we did struggle with this figure, we needed a simple number to go with a relatively small change. It is up for discussion on what is appropriate.
Nutting - for every 1,000 sq ft, you need a parking space; this is less so to make the smaller change easier; it may not be a magic number but that is how we did it.
Bissanti - I'd like to speak to my concerns on a broader manner, if there is not a site plan on a property regardless of size needs a full blown plan. If there is not one already, Even a small developer can not be put through the full plan. There is discretion now, a limited site plan is a misnomer.
Taberner - as it is today, if there is no site plan on the property, and want to make a change small or large, wording is so specific. We can leave it the way it is, we need to make it fair to each developer coming in. Silly things could happen, not that they do, they could. It is a mess, not only at a Planning Board meeting, maybe this or maybe that is not the way to deal with an applicant. Reality is it needs to be fixed. It is hard on the planning board, developer, and staff.
Nutting - we made a proposal, if we have to tweak it, we can.
Dahlstrom - Did you have a chance to read the scenarios? i hope you did. Each scenario has occurred in the office. We can not answer the question on whether it is limited or full, there is no way to say.
Vallee - the majority of the Council have an issue with the bylaw. I wan to appoint a subcommittee of three to meet and review this before it comes back to us.
Live reporting: Town Council - Dec 19, 2012
Present: Mercer, Dellorco, Powderly, Vallee, Pfeffer, Jones, Bissanti, Roy
Absent: Kelly
Statement by Town Council on Sandy Hook Tragedy and preparations here in Franklin, read by Council Chair Bob Vallee.
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
January 11, 2012 Budget Workshop
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV, Franklin Matters and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29.
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
Citizenship Award – James E. Vallee
Roy - only complaint is that the job he has done will make his role that much as challenging. Always accessible, always approachable. Parallel with family in having two girls and a boy. Spend time with your beautiful family. Thanks you for all your work on behalf of Franklin and our neighboring communities.
Bissanti - Jim's local hand's on approach inspired me to take a more active approach. He was never without a smile.
Jones - You have a been a good friend, you have taught me much. I aspired to do as much as you do to support the community like you do. Your efforts have not been unnoticed. Thank you for all your years of service.
Pfeffer - This is not a eulogy, you are very much alive and should be around.
Podwerly - You are the epitome of public service. Never hesitant to answer a question, even if it h=may have been a simple one. All of those things that have made you a great rep will enable you to be a success in your new role.
Dellorco - Everyday when you walked into the State House, you think of Franklin
Jim Vallee - I can't believe I am leaving before Tom!
Mercer - I have been honored to work with Jim for quite some time, in the 90's when Franklin was the fastest growing community in the state. Thanks to Jim we are building a model school for the high school.
Nutting - I would like to add that we would be still fighting with the MSBA and the price would be fifty million dollars more. Our chapter 70 amounts are the largest in the state, the roads, helping with the playground, the signs downtown, your foot print is every where.
Jim Vallee - My peers in the legislature are jealous of this community. The Town has chosen good people to work with, Mark Ceral, Jeff Nutting, Maxine Kinehart, etc. I will continue to help Jeff Roy. A lot of people get paid in other communities for what you do. I intend to stay engaged in this community and volunteer where I can. Thank you Dad for your inspiration.
Dick thank you for everything you have done for this town!
Roy - thank you Dick for all your help in the transition. It goes a long way. You two have been inseparable!
3 minute recess for hand shakes
Absent: Kelly
Statement by Town Council on Sandy Hook Tragedy and preparations here in Franklin, read by Council Chair Bob Vallee.
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
January 11, 2012 Budget Workshop
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV, Franklin Matters and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29.
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
Citizenship Award – James E. Vallee
Roy - only complaint is that the job he has done will make his role that much as challenging. Always accessible, always approachable. Parallel with family in having two girls and a boy. Spend time with your beautiful family. Thanks you for all your work on behalf of Franklin and our neighboring communities.
Bissanti - Jim's local hand's on approach inspired me to take a more active approach. He was never without a smile.
Jones - You have a been a good friend, you have taught me much. I aspired to do as much as you do to support the community like you do. Your efforts have not been unnoticed. Thank you for all your years of service.
Pfeffer - This is not a eulogy, you are very much alive and should be around.
Podwerly - You are the epitome of public service. Never hesitant to answer a question, even if it h=may have been a simple one. All of those things that have made you a great rep will enable you to be a success in your new role.
Dellorco - Everyday when you walked into the State House, you think of Franklin
Jim Vallee - I can't believe I am leaving before Tom!
Mercer - I have been honored to work with Jim for quite some time, in the 90's when Franklin was the fastest growing community in the state. Thanks to Jim we are building a model school for the high school.
Nutting - I would like to add that we would be still fighting with the MSBA and the price would be fifty million dollars more. Our chapter 70 amounts are the largest in the state, the roads, helping with the playground, the signs downtown, your foot print is every where.
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| Jim Vallee addresses the Town Council |
Jim Vallee - My peers in the legislature are jealous of this community. The Town has chosen good people to work with, Mark Ceral, Jeff Nutting, Maxine Kinehart, etc. I will continue to help Jeff Roy. A lot of people get paid in other communities for what you do. I intend to stay engaged in this community and volunteer where I can. Thank you Dad for your inspiration.
Dick thank you for everything you have done for this town!
Roy - thank you Dick for all your help in the transition. It goes a long way. You two have been inseparable!
3 minute recess for hand shakes
Softball registration open
While Winter technically starts this week, think of spring and the sounds of softballs hitting bats! Registration for the Franklin Girls Softball Association 2013 Season is open and ready online. Registration closes Feb 28, 2013.
Go directly to the registration here https://www.sportsmanager.us/RegistrationWizard.htm
Go to the home page for the Franklin Girls Softball here http://www.sportsmanager.us/fgsa.htm
Go directly to the registration here https://www.sportsmanager.us/RegistrationWizard.htm
Go to the home page for the Franklin Girls Softball here http://www.sportsmanager.us/fgsa.htm
"It will give us a major studio"
An article in the Milford Daily News gets into how Franklin TV has the money to purchase a new building to create a studio. Franklin is not alone in setting up cable access in this manner.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1783185244/Franklin-TV-station-plans-move-to-new-studio#ixzz2FUbK0ua1
Notes from the Planning Board discussion on the site plan can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/real-time-reporting-franklin-tv.html
Public access stations such as Milford TV and Franklin TV get their funding from residents’ cable bills. The towns’ two cable providers - Comcast and Verizon - pay about 4 percent of the revenues generated from an access fee to fund the station, equating to about $300,000 to $350,000 a year.
"The access fees are collected by the carriers and turned over to the town," Fasciano said. "In the past four years, the town has spent less money than the fees that were taken in."
Franklin TV purchased the 3,500-square-foot building at 23 Hutchinson St. for $400,000. It’s a significant expansion for the company, as its Main Street studio is a mere 620 square feet.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1783185244/Franklin-TV-station-plans-move-to-new-studio#ixzz2FUbK0ua1
Notes from the Planning Board discussion on the site plan can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/real-time-reporting-franklin-tv.html
Franklin Downtown Partnership - 2013 UPDATES
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