Franklin Matters

Thursday, December 4, 2008

"we can't do business as usual and survive"

By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

GHS

Posted Dec 04, 2008 @ 12:05 AM

FRANKLIN —

Town Council last night unanimously voted to create a fund to pay for repairs to buildings and infrastructure, and put $50,000 in it.

At Town Administrator Jeffrey D. Nutting's recommendation, the council voted to deposit the $50,000 - money that developer Toll Brothers donated for infrastructure improvements in exchange for accepting new streets and easements.

In other business, Nutting told the council he and leaders from other communities testified at the State House yesterday, advocating for municipal relief and reforms that would save Franklin time and money.

"We're asking the Legislature to look at a wide array of municipal relief," he said.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

Wind turbine or solar in your future?

Thinking of installing a wind turbine
or solar array at your home or business? Come get all your questions answered!

Incentives for

Residential & Commercial
Solar and Wind Installations

Presenter:
Tyler Leeds, Project Manager, Green Building & Infrastructure
Mass Technology Collaborative

When:
Wednesday, December 10, 7:00 p.m.

Where:
Franklin Public Library Community Room
118 Main Street, Lower Level

Description:
Massachusetts has recently developed several incentives to spur the development of renewable energy, including Commonwealth Solar Rebates, Small Renewables Initiative, and Business Expansion Incentives.
Tyler Leeds will answer your questions and help you understand the basic economics of investing in renewable energy.

This Event is of Special Interest for:
Home Owners, Business Owners, Installers, Dealers, Contractors, Electricians and Architects

Sponsored by:
Franklin Area Climate Team (FACT)
Massachusetts Climate Action Network
Massachusetts Technology Collaborative
Friends of the Franklin Library

The 21st Century Student - networked

How about this view of the 21st century student?

What do you think?

BTW - It is most interesting that this uses the Common Craft method of presentation. Not only did the presenters ask permission of Common Craft to do this but it was granted. Truly a good aspect of the networking opportunities available!

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Live reporting - Town Administrator

Beaver St recycling to be closed on Tuesdays during the winter to save some money

Jeff at State House today to negotiate/lobby for legislative relief from items that the local communities have no control over.

2010 will be a difficult financial year, concern about getting the change, it will be hard to get. This is one side of the story but there are other sides to this as well. A wide variety of different interests are affected.

Old Business -

Listing of the gift accounts (as asked for in prior meeting by Councilor Pfeffer) was provided by Jeff

New Business -
None

Councilor Comments
Mason - congratulations to Tri-County
McGann - skunk story, apparently a rabid one was trapped and handled by our Tracey
Pfeffer - Senior Ctr one year anniversary party,

Live reporting - zoning bylaw amendment

Zoning Bylaw Amendment 08-628: Chapter 185-Nonconforming Uses and Structures – Public Hearing 7:10

cuts out red tape, makes it much easier to process

Moved to 1st reading

Approved -> 6 - 0

Moved to 2nd reading

Approved -> 6 - 0

Live reporting - action items

Resolution 08-81: 2009 Town Council Meeting Schedule

(dates to be added later)
approved -> 6-0

Resolution 08-82: Legal Notices

approved -> 6-0

Resolution 08-83: Establishment of Municipal Infrastructure/Facilities Improvement Stabilization Fund

approved -> 6-0

- returned to this action listing after the public hearing on the zoning bylaw amendment

Resolution 08-84: Appropriation: Municipal Infrastructure/Facilities Improvement Stabilization Fund

approved -> 6-0

Live reporting - 2009 license renewals

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS – Annual Alcohol License Renewals

a listing of establishments was read and approved

a second listing of establishments that have not passed inspections was postponed until 12/17/08 - this listing was amended to include Caso's Bar & Grill (which BTW is currently closed)