| K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT congratulations to Lt letter from Chief of Wrentham, thanking the police Dept for | |
| L. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS | |
| M. COUNCIL COMMENTS light on Main St, near Rockland allows only 3 cars to go through they will be adjusting it, to lengthen it Mercer - great to have the swearing in ceremonies at the Council Jones - new TV show called Franklin Almanac, covers all things Franklin Bissanti - condolences to the Curran family, missed the wake, etc. Pfeffer - time was taken for marijuana use name, Kelly - Town of Franklin received a placque for the Franklin Solar Challenge. The system was installed at the Santa Foundation. 51 homes did take up the challenge | |
| N. EXECUTIVE SESSION none required | |
| O. ADJOURN motion to adjourn, seconded, passed 9-0 |
Wednesday, December 21, 2016
Real time Reporting: Closing
Real time reporting: Legislation
(resuming reporting after my work meeting)
3. Zoning bylaw Amendment 16-775: Amendment to Chapter 185, Section 5 Zoning Map
motion to move to second reading, seconded, passed 9-0
3. Zoning bylaw Amendment 16-775: Amendment to Chapter 185, Section 5 Zoning Map
motion to move to second reading, seconded, passed 9-0
| 5. Bylaw Amendment 16-777: Amendment to Chapter 151, Solid Waste and Recycling this is procedural to clean up the fees, all the fees were moved to the other bylaw and this isn't needed any more it was not calculated on what the economic impact this would have. It was not the intent to use this as a fund raiser ambulance fees did go up but they are covered by insurance ** motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0 (via roll call) | |
| 6. Resolution 16-75: Adoption of G.L. Chapter 64N Section 3 Local Tax on Marijuana Retail Sales and Establishment of Tax Rate proposal to add the local sales tax option of 2% ** motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0 | |
| 7. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-779: Changes to Chapter 185 Section 3 Definitions move to referral to planning board, seconded, passed 9-0 next set of bylaws, place zoning for recreational marijuana to the Industrial Park area along Forge Park and Grove St; initially putting with medical marijuana zoning some legislation may still be pending at the state. This is a starting point and a conservative approach. Jones - I think these are logical as the State hasn't made their final definitions. We don't need this downtown. Cerel - district name being changed to Marijuana use, make all applications by special permit Pfeffer - discussion on prefix, should be 16 not 17, going to planning board anyway and coming back | |
| 8. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-780: Changes to chapter 185 Section 4 Districts Enumerated - Referral to Planning Board move to referral to planning board, seconded, passed 9-0 | |
| 9. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-781: Changes to Chapter 185 Section 5 Zoning Map - Referral to Planning Board (majority vote) move to referral to planning board, seconded, passed 9-0 | |
| 10. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-782: Changes to Chapter 185-Section 7 Compliance - Referral to Planning Board (majority vote) move to referral to planning board, seconded, passed 9-0 | |
| 11. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-783: Amendment to Chapter 185 Section 49 Marijuana Use Overlay District - Referral to Planning board (majority vote) move to referral to planning board, seconded, passed 9-0 |
Real-time Reporting: Public Hearing on Zoning Map Change
Councilor Bissanti recused himself from the discussion
Kelly acknowledged receipt of letter from Franklin Advisory Committee endorsing the project.
Added: Franklin TV video replay is available
http://view.earthchannel.com/PlayerController.aspx?PGD=franknma&eID=419
Note: added citizen names and additional info as the meeting continues beyond where I had left off initially on Weds night
Proposal to rezone from Residential I to Residential VII
Citizen 14 - James Giannotti, 2 Woodchester Road
I am wondering why we even have a Master Plan. Every month, you are making changes with amendments. Does it conform to the Master Plan, it doesn't. No evidence was provided. Is this the legacy that you really want to leave as your children?
Pellegri - I agree with much of what has been said. We as councilors are elected to look out for the best interests of the town and not just for an application. The 7 houses by vs. the 34, why would we ever do that? I am embarrassed when I see the houses on the left coming in from Wrentham. The pros? I came up with one, for the applicant. I really as my fellow councilors to think twice about this?
Dellorco - What would be the sewer?
Nutting - the applicant would have to have that extended, both sewer and water. They would have to pave curb to curb?
Dellorco - we don't need to notify?
Cerel - there is no requirement for a notification for a re-zoning.
Dellorco - has anyone done a traffic study?
Kelly - that would come after
Dellorco - What is our 40B?
Pfeffer - 9.35%
Nutting - 8 would have to be affordable if it were to be 40B
We did have discussions about about the sidewalk but not all the way down to Summer St.
Representative of Grandise Homes
Cerel - there is a rezoning issue and not a discussion of a particular project
Padula - What about the sidewalks?
Cornetta -we have had preliminary discussions on the sidewalk and some mitigations for no affordable housing. This would be a first step. We would be required to come back to the Planning Board and this board for special permits.
Pfeffer - I have a number of comments. We have a number of considerations. I am all in favor of affordable. We could have 120 affordable units there. The state would make us connect the water and sewer. The Glen Meadow units dropped off. I don't believe we will ever get to 10%. "The devil you know is better than the one you don't know." You don't like the look of Cook's Farm because it is the backside being built first.
Mercer - I have similar concerns that Council Padula spoke to. I'd like to go on record when they do come back, the bites of the apple, 2 and 3 bedroom will be issues that I will be looking at.
Padula - the Planning Board did approve this unanimously. This is cluster housing. I don't see this as post zoning.
Motion to close the hearing
Seconded, passed 8-0
Kelly acknowledged receipt of letter from Franklin Advisory Committee endorsing the project.
Added: Franklin TV video replay is available
http://view.earthchannel.com/PlayerController.aspx?PGD=franknma&eID=419
Note: added citizen names and additional info as the meeting continues beyond where I had left off initially on Weds night
| F. HEARINGS |
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 16-775: Amendment - Zoning Map Changes from Rural Residential I to Residential VII an Area on Summer Street - 7:10 pm
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Planning Board did approve the measure
11 acre parcel on the western side of Summer St
approx. 1 mile from downtown Franklin
close proximity to i495 and train station
Summer St is a hodge podge of uses
single family residences, outdoor recreational uses
multi-family (Palladini Village - actually off King St)
has pretty good views, on a clear day you are reported to be able to see Boston
Residential VII - more dense location of residences, smaller yard, larger decks and patio areas
targeting a different market place
Cooks Farm, building off 140, has sold 15 units and another 10 in line for sale
hence there is a market here for this type of home
no sidewalk along Summer St, (add sidewalk from King St) and small parking area (proposed for expansion) at the Franklin Town Forest as a benefit of the proposal
Attny Cornetta referencing the "Master Plan" and how this development proposal will meet all the objectives of the plan
making argument for increasing.improving downtown by increasing housing that is walkable to the area
attempting to create a vibrant area adjacent to the downtown area
spot zoning - referenced frequently in some zoning proposals
rulings from case law are clear, the benefits are for a 'well considered plan for the public benefit"
there are several uses already in the area so the change in zoning would not make it stand out
The decision of the Planning Board is key to this, while an advisory body, their unanimous approval is key to the overall benefits
approx. $271,000 in 1 time fees
approx. $250,000 in net tax revenue to the town (no maintenance of the roadways, would be covered by a homeowners association)
Kelly acknowledged receipt of letter from Lawrence Benedetto endorsing the proposal
Citizen 1 - Dave Nichols, 486 Summer St
"I am going to call it spot zoning as that it exactly what it is"
the character of the neighborhood doesn't fit, the road is already too fast and dangerous
"the only thing I can do is to appeal the zoning change"
"I am going to call it spot zoning as that it exactly what it is"
the character of the neighborhood doesn't fit, the road is already too fast and dangerous
"the only thing I can do is to appeal the zoning change"
homeowners are supposed to be notified via certified letter, that did not happen
"I am at a loss, I can believe that this is due process"
"I am at a loss, I can believe that this is due process"
Citizen 2 - Sally French Winters, 486 Summer St
complaining about living in a construction zone abutting their property after living in the home for 33 years in a quiet neighborhood. This is an invasion of my privacy
complaining about living in a construction zone abutting their property after living in the home for 33 years in a quiet neighborhood. This is an invasion of my privacy
Citizen 3 - Kurt Lovell, 711 Summer St
the Town Forest abuts this property and it is very well used. The traffic on the road is fast, it will be very dangerous
the Town Forest abuts this property and it is very well used. The traffic on the road is fast, it will be very dangerous
Citizen 4 - Anna Marie Bailey, 715 Summer St
the road leads to Sheldonville, a country road with 2 acre zoning. Take a step back and ask, do we want this type of zoning? We are trying to maintain our community. Talk to others about Cook's Farm, that looks horrific coming into Franklin. We don't need to be developing every pocket that we can. To add additional traffic to that road, you are asking for trouble
the road leads to Sheldonville, a country road with 2 acre zoning. Take a step back and ask, do we want this type of zoning? We are trying to maintain our community. Talk to others about Cook's Farm, that looks horrific coming into Franklin. We don't need to be developing every pocket that we can. To add additional traffic to that road, you are asking for trouble
Citizen 5 - Deborah Lovell, 711 Summer St
If this was your neighborhood, would you be approving this? Would you want 34 houses in that little area. Franklin is one of the safest town in MA, are we going to change that? We have had faith in our Council and in the Town, so please consider that.
If this was your neighborhood, would you be approving this? Would you want 34 houses in that little area. Franklin is one of the safest town in MA, are we going to change that? We have had faith in our Council and in the Town, so please consider that.
Citizen 6 - Eric Bearce, 493 Summer St
My concern is traffic, it is proposed for the peak of the hill and cars will be coming out into the traffic. You mentioned an urbanized development, but that is not the right place for it. It doesn't fit with the neighborhood
My concern is traffic, it is proposed for the peak of the hill and cars will be coming out into the traffic. You mentioned an urbanized development, but that is not the right place for it. It doesn't fit with the neighborhood
Citizen 7 - Kim Spellman, 6 Great Pond Road
If the Council accepts that this will benefit the downtown, it will be taking a risk. How will it affect the neighbors? My main reason is the density. In order to go outside the master plan, there needs to be some overriding interest. It can't be the $250,000 a year this will bring. Revenue is already contemplated as part of the plan. That can't be enough.
If the Council accepts that this will benefit the downtown, it will be taking a risk. How will it affect the neighbors? My main reason is the density. In order to go outside the master plan, there needs to be some overriding interest. It can't be the $250,000 a year this will bring. Revenue is already contemplated as part of the plan. That can't be enough.
Citizen 8 - Alan Nelson, 479 Summer St
I'll be across the street from this development, traffic will be atrocious. This would double the amount of single family houses on the street now. There are not 34 houses on the street now. We brought in sewer for 5 houses several years ago and it was limited to that due to the sewer capacity. If they are putting in 34 houses, how is that going to affect the sewer system. There are wetlands, and you are close to Uncas Pond.
I'll be across the street from this development, traffic will be atrocious. This would double the amount of single family houses on the street now. There are not 34 houses on the street now. We brought in sewer for 5 houses several years ago and it was limited to that due to the sewer capacity. If they are putting in 34 houses, how is that going to affect the sewer system. There are wetlands, and you are close to Uncas Pond.
Citizen 9 - Brian Concannon, 15 Summer Heights Drive
it is by right to develop that as one acre lots, they have not demonstrated that there is a hardship if they don't do this. It does not fit with the neighborhood, it does not fit with the overall plan
it is by right to develop that as one acre lots, they have not demonstrated that there is a hardship if they don't do this. It does not fit with the neighborhood, it does not fit with the overall plan
Citizen 10 - Cynthia Honcharuk, 403 Summer St
Palladini Village affect my property with the water runoff. It is all ledge there. I have wildlife, deer woodchucks, and other wildlife. I don't know what taking 11 acres away from the wildlife is going to do? What is going to happen to them? To build this and overload the street with more houses is wrong, wrong, wrong.
Palladini Village affect my property with the water runoff. It is all ledge there. I have wildlife, deer woodchucks, and other wildlife. I don't know what taking 11 acres away from the wildlife is going to do? What is going to happen to them? To build this and overload the street with more houses is wrong, wrong, wrong.
Citizens 11 - Adam Sanders, 483 Summer St
I too have had run off effects from the Palladini Village in back of my property. I have two little kids. It is bothersome to watch the traffic on the road. To put more cars on the street, to put cluster homes in both the front of my home and in the back (i.e. Palladini)
I too have had run off effects from the Palladini Village in back of my property. I have two little kids. It is bothersome to watch the traffic on the road. To put more cars on the street, to put cluster homes in both the front of my home and in the back (i.e. Palladini)
Citizen 12 - Michael Gavrilles 8 Squibnocket Road
I have walked from Squibnocket Road to downtown for 17 years, it is dangerous. Without sidewalks, it doesn't make the development work
I have walked from Squibnocket Road to downtown for 17 years, it is dangerous. Without sidewalks, it doesn't make the development work
Citizen 13 - Paige Duncan, 35 Gallison St
reading letter from two practicing planners, requesting to NOT rezone for the following reasons. Rather than haphazardly approving projects to avoid 40B, they should be taking leadership should be addressing 40B compliance.
(leaving session for work conference call; picked up via replay of meeting)
Housing plan expired as it is only valid for 5 years. It should be updated before this project goes forward. Adding non-affordable units to inventory only increases the requirements to meet the 40B standard.
"This project is not consistent with smart goals. It is unlikely that the proposal would include 40B units."
reading letter from two practicing planners, requesting to NOT rezone for the following reasons. Rather than haphazardly approving projects to avoid 40B, they should be taking leadership should be addressing 40B compliance.
(leaving session for work conference call; picked up via replay of meeting)
Housing plan expired as it is only valid for 5 years. It should be updated before this project goes forward. Adding non-affordable units to inventory only increases the requirements to meet the 40B standard.
"This project is not consistent with smart goals. It is unlikely that the proposal would include 40B units."
Does the Council want to maintain the Master Plan? or make changes. It is not near downtown. 1.3 miles. There is no affordability. It is spot zoning. It will benefit the property owner.
"How does this impact affect the greater good of the town?"
"How does this impact affect the greater good of the town?"
Citizen 14 - James Giannotti, 2 Woodchester Road
I am wondering why we even have a Master Plan. Every month, you are making changes with amendments. Does it conform to the Master Plan, it doesn't. No evidence was provided. Is this the legacy that you really want to leave as your children?
Pellegri - I agree with much of what has been said. We as councilors are elected to look out for the best interests of the town and not just for an application. The 7 houses by vs. the 34, why would we ever do that? I am embarrassed when I see the houses on the left coming in from Wrentham. The pros? I came up with one, for the applicant. I really as my fellow councilors to think twice about this?
Dellorco - What would be the sewer?
Nutting - the applicant would have to have that extended, both sewer and water. They would have to pave curb to curb?
Dellorco - we don't need to notify?
Cerel - there is no requirement for a notification for a re-zoning.
Dellorco - has anyone done a traffic study?
Kelly - that would come after
Dellorco - What is our 40B?
Pfeffer - 9.35%
Nutting - 8 would have to be affordable if it were to be 40B
We did have discussions about about the sidewalk but not all the way down to Summer St.
Representative of Grandise Homes
Cerel - there is a rezoning issue and not a discussion of a particular project
Padula - What about the sidewalks?
Cornetta -we have had preliminary discussions on the sidewalk and some mitigations for no affordable housing. This would be a first step. We would be required to come back to the Planning Board and this board for special permits.
Pfeffer - I have a number of comments. We have a number of considerations. I am all in favor of affordable. We could have 120 affordable units there. The state would make us connect the water and sewer. The Glen Meadow units dropped off. I don't believe we will ever get to 10%. "The devil you know is better than the one you don't know." You don't like the look of Cook's Farm because it is the backside being built first.
Mercer - I have similar concerns that Council Padula spoke to. I'd like to go on record when they do come back, the bites of the apple, 2 and 3 bedroom will be issues that I will be looking at.
Padula - the Planning Board did approve this unanimously. This is cluster housing. I don't see this as post zoning.
Motion to close the hearing
Seconded, passed 8-0
Added: Franklin TV video replay is available
http://view.earthchannel.com/PlayerController.aspx?PGD=franknma&eID=419
http://view.earthchannel.com/PlayerController.aspx?PGD=franknma&eID=419
Real time Reporting: Town Council Meeting - Dec 21, 2016
Present: Pellegri, Padula, Mercer, Vallee (late), Kelly, Pfeffer, Bissanti, Dellorco, Jones
Absent: none
Lt Keith Darling sworn in this evening (photo added later)
Absent: none
| A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES | |
| B. Announcements | |
| D. Citizens Comments | |
| E. APPOINTMENTS | None |
filling in with some action items while waiting for the 7:10 PM public hearing to commence
| J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION | |
| 1. Resolution 16-80: Appropriation Public Safety antennas (majority vote) motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0 | |
| 2. RESOLUTION 16-82: ACCEPTANCE OF GIFT - FIRE DEPARTMENT Motion to accept, seconded, passed 9-0 |
skipped #3 to cover later in meeting
Motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0 via roll call
this is the second reading, reduced by over 100 fees the current fee structure for the Town
FHS Drama Club to perform 2 one-act plays, “The Giver” and “Gathering Blue”
From Pantherbook we share:
http://franklinpanthers.us/student-life/2016/12/19/drama-club-to-put-on-shows/
"On Wednesday December 21st and Thursday December 22nd, FHS drama club will be performing two one-act plays, “The Giver” and “Gathering Blue”. Both plays are set in dystopian societies with “Gathering Blue” being the sequel to “The Giver”. This week I spoke to the cast to get their insight on both plays.
When asked about her experience in “The Giver”, Riley Halliday, who plays Fiona, said, “it has been an all around great experience, I love working with a smaller cast because we have all become very close”. Melissa Reinerston who plays Kira in “Gathering Blue” described the two separate plays as being “…especially challenging…because rehearsals felt divided, but both shows have come together really well”.Continue reading the article online
The shows are $5 dollars for students and $12 for adults and will be performed in the FHS auditorium at 7 o’clock.
http://franklinpanthers.us/student-life/2016/12/19/drama-club-to-put-on-shows/
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| FHS Drama Club |
Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda updated - Dec 21, 2016
The Town of Franklin updated the agenda document for the Town Council meeting on Weds, Dec 21, 2016. As near as I can tell, the line items of the agenda did not change. What did change was the inclusion of all the supporting documents into the single PDF format shown below.
You can also find the doc on the Town of Franklin site here
http://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/town-council-meeting-agenda-december-21-2016
You can also find the doc on the Town of Franklin site here
http://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/town-council-meeting-agenda-december-21-2016
 |
| Downtown Franklin in the snow |
FHS Boys Basketball posts win over Foxboro
Boys Basketball = Foxboro, 55 @ Franklin, 67 – Final
– Franklin turned a seven point lead (27-20) at the halftime break into a double-digit advantage (50-37) by the end of third quarter. Franklin’s Connor Peterson led all scorers with 19 points while Josh Macchi added 14 points and Paul Mahon chipped in with 12 points for the Panthers. Foxboro’s Andrew Block had a team-high 14 points while Mark Clagg scored 12 points, Joe Morrison had 10 points and Joe Bartucca finished with eight points.
Girls Basketball = Franklin, 31 @ Foxboro, 52- Final
– Ashley Sampson reached the 20-point mark for the second game in a row, leading the Warriors with 22. Lily Sykes chipped in with 17 for the Warriors.
Gymnastics = Attleboro, 136.6 @ Franklin, 126 – Final
– Attleboro’s Emma Humphrey (36.7) scored a 9.4 on bars, a 9.4 on floor, 9.0 on the vault and 8.9 on beam to lead the Bombardiers to the win. Franklin sophomore Mia Lizotte was not far behind at 36.3, scoring 9.2 on floor, vault and beam and 8.7 on bars.
For all the results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/tuesdays-schedule-scoreboard-122016/
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| FHS Panthers |
And confirmations via Twitter:
Tough meet you girls really hung in there. Attleboro won 136.6 - 126. Sophomore Mia Lizotte took second in All Around with a 36.3. #fhsgym pic.twitter.com/7pyYwM9e8m— FHS Gymnastics (@fhs_gymnastics) December 21, 2016
Lost to a great Foxboro team 31-52. Congratulations to our Freshman team for a great win. Back to work tomorrow— Franklin Girls Bball (@fhsgvbasketball) December 21, 2016
Boy V BB: Final. Franklin 67 Foxboro 55 @HockomockSports #PantherPride— FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) December 21, 2016
Sign up for the French Wine Scholar Certification program!
French Wine Scholar (FWS)
Vinitas WineWorks LLC, Tri-County Adult Education, and Franklin Liquors are excited to announce the next session of the French Wine Scholar Certification program!
Now you don't have to go to Boston for this world-class French wine course! Set yourself apart from your peers and specialize in the wines of France. Gain the confidence to taste, sell, and speak meaningfully about all aspects of French wine, from Champagne to Bordeaux and everything in between. Pass the exam and earn the title French Wine Scholar and FWS post-nominal.
Developed by the Wine Scholar Guild with the support of the French Ministry of Agriculture, this specialization program is designed for advanced students of wine, whether professionals or serious wine hobbyists.
This is NOT an introductory wine class; students should have professional wine experience or previous classroom study. Students must be familiar with the concepts of viticulture and vinification, major grape varieties, wine regions, and wine styles from across the globe, and have experience tasting wine in a formal setting.
Our next session and will run on nine consecutive Tuesday evenings.
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: Franklin Liquors, 363 E. Central Street, Franklin MA
Tuition: $999
http://www.tri-county.tc/wine-scholar-program
Vinitas WineWorks LLC, Tri-County Adult Education, and Franklin Liquors are excited to announce the next session of the French Wine Scholar Certification program!
 |
| French Wine Scholar Certification |
Developed by the Wine Scholar Guild with the support of the French Ministry of Agriculture, this specialization program is designed for advanced students of wine, whether professionals or serious wine hobbyists.
This is NOT an introductory wine class; students should have professional wine experience or previous classroom study. Students must be familiar with the concepts of viticulture and vinification, major grape varieties, wine regions, and wine styles from across the globe, and have experience tasting wine in a formal setting.
Our next session and will run on nine consecutive Tuesday evenings.
- 9 Tuesdays: February 28 - May 30, 2017
- Review: May 16, 2017
- Exam date: May 30, 2017
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: Franklin Liquors, 363 E. Central Street, Franklin MA
Tuition: $999
http://www.tri-county.tc/wine-scholar-program
In the News: Franklin's Liberatore on top team; Governor will let Legislature deal with marijuana sales tax
From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161220/massbay-community-college-places-fourth-in-cyber-league-competition
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161220/baker-leaving-pot-tax-debate-to-legislature-for-now
Note: The Franklin Town Council takes up the measure that would add 2% for the local portion of the tax at the meeting scheduled for Weds, Dec 21.
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/12/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-122116.html
"A student cybersecurity team from MassBay Community College placed fourth at the National Cyber League 2016 Competition. The seven-member student team from MassBay, called the Segfault, was ranked fourth out of 144 teams nationwide, and included a Franklin resident.
The team consisted of Andrew Liberatore, of Franklin, as well as Paul Buonopane, David Dew, Chester Moses, Timothy Ferguson, Corey Skinner and Fred Dolan.
The students have been working together since the beginning of the fall 2016 semester and have competed in the preseason, regular season and postseason of the National Cyber League competition. The competition is held online in a cloud-based environment, where students compete to solve real problems. The MassBay team was given problems to solve that replicate what it might face in the real world if its company fell victim to hackers. The team dissected the problems to find solutions, which included downloading files, decryption to view passwords and analyzing information on the attack."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161220/massbay-community-college-places-fourth-in-cyber-league-competition
 |
| http://www.massbay.edu/ |
"Gov. Charlie Baker couldn't quite bring himself on Monday to say he would support a higher tax rate on retail marijuana sales, but he didn't rule it out either.
"I'm going to let the Legislature kick this one around a little, " Baker said during his monthly appearance on WGBH's "Boston Public Radio" show. "No, no, no, no," he added as clarification when host Jim Braude brought up a possible veto threat.
Several prominent Democrats, including Treasurer Deborah Goldberg and Senate President Stanley Rosenberg, have been open with their belief that the 3.75 percent retail sales tax on pot is too low, and will be up for debate when the Legislature considers changes in the new year to the legalization law that went into effect last Thursday.
The ballot law stipulated a 3.75 percent excise tax on marijuana that would be added to the state's 6.25 percent sales tax, effectively taxing pot at 10 percent to start. Cities and towns have the ability to add an additional sales tax of up to 2 percent on top of that."Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161220/baker-leaving-pot-tax-debate-to-legislature-for-now
Note: The Franklin Town Council takes up the measure that would add 2% for the local portion of the tax at the meeting scheduled for Weds, Dec 21.
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/12/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-122116.html
In the News: Medway peaker plant approved; new assistant executive director at MIAA
"The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has issued its final air quality permits for Exelon's Medway power plant - the last set of state approvals the company sought in its project to expand the facility.
The department's official sign-off on Exelon's Prevention of Significant Deterioration Permit and the Air Quality Plan this week comes after state officials issued a draft approval in October.
A public hearing regarding both was held last month in Medway.
Mark Rodgers, a company spokesman, said in a statement Tuesday the DEP's final decision marked an "important milestone" in the project."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
"Ann Trytko, retired educator and athletic director from Hampshire Regional High School, has joined the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association as a part-time assistant executive director.
Trytko retired at the end of last school year after a 35-year career in education that started in 1975 as a physical education teacher and concluded this past year as athletic director. She also spent several of these years coaching both middle school and high school varsity sports.
Trytko remains an active MIAA coaches' education instructor and served several years on the MIAA tournament management and gymnastic committees, as well as the past six years as chair of gymnastics."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161220/massachusetts-interscholastic-athletic-association-announces-addition
Tuesday, December 20, 2016
"a free solar system for a local nonprofit organization"
From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161219/franklin-local-charity-receives-solar-system
For the background on the Franklin Solar Challenge
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/01/franklin-solar-challenge-reached-tier-4.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/05/the-franklin-solar-challenge-can-help.html
"This is the time of year when the Santa Foundation is giving presents - last Tuesday, its office was full of wrapped gifts ready for distribution to needy families in town.
That day, though, the local charity received a gift of its own: a 5.4-kilowatt solar array on the roof of its Joy Street headquarters.
The donation - made by Ashland firm SolarFlair Energy - was the result of the successful completion of the Franklin Solar Challenge campaign in 2015. The challenge, based on the state's Solarize Massachusetts program, offered increasing tiers of savings for residents who agree to put solar systems on their properties. SolarFlair administered that campaign."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161219/franklin-local-charity-receives-solar-system
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| new solar system installed at Santa Foundation as a result of the successful Solar Challenge held in Franklin |
For the background on the Franklin Solar Challenge
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/01/franklin-solar-challenge-reached-tier-4.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/05/the-franklin-solar-challenge-can-help.html
BFCCPS Enrollment Applications Now Available
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