I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
none
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 14-37: Authorization for Planning and Design Costs for Library Reconstruction/Addition
Nutting the initial funding would be to support a project manager and an architect to come back in a year or so with some more detailed plans and dollars required. Even with the expansion we would still be the 2nd smallest library in the comparable communities.
We will pay for this within the general fund debt. The recreation fields, the fire station, senior center, etc were all funded within this plan. We are coming into a capacity cycle where we can utilize this funding for the library.
Motion to approve $1M
seconded, passed 9-0 via roll call
2. Resolution 14-38: Appropriation – Town Administration: Zoning Board of Appeals
effectively an end of year transfer to balance the books
motion to approve $500 from free cash, seconded, passed 9-0
3. Resolution 14-39: Appropriation – Town Administration: Street Lights
also an end of year transfer to balance the books
paying for the repairs for the street lights, the electrical charges are covered appropriately
Q - do we have plan for conversion to LED for street lights?
A - not yet, the cost hasn't come down enough for a payback
Also there was no tariff for the LEDs at a reduced rate
We were the first town to buy our own street lights from National Grid as they were making a boatload of money on them, We have saved big time by owning our own. Street lights don't last, we go through about 20-25% per year
motion to approve $10,000 from free cash, seconded, passed 9-0
4. Resolution 14-40: Appropriation – Town Administration: Legal Expenses
amount requested is $10,000 from free cash
also an end of year transfer to balance the books
as a result of ongoing collective bargaining issues, the legal bills continue to mount
motion to approve $10,000 from free cash, seconded, passed 9-0
5. Resolution 14-41: Appropriation – Snow and Ice
amount requested $280,000
motion to approve $280,000 from free cash, seconded, passed 9-0
6. Resolution 14-42: Appropriation – Town Administration: Comptroller
training to cover a 42 year service employee leaving
motion to approve $1,000 from free cash, seconded, passed 9-0
7. Resolution 14-44: Acceptance of Gift – Town of Franklin
From Franklin TV for video equipment for the new studio at the new FHS
amended to state as Building Committee, passed 9-0
motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0
8. Resolution 14-45: Dedicated Proposition 2-1/2 Override Ballot Question for Stabilization Fund for Roadway, Sidewalk, and Related Drainage
The text for the override can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/06/resolution-14-45-dedicated-override-to.html
minor amendment to text with change of 2016 to 2015
motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0
basically $1M a mile to reconstruct a road
presentation to be added later
this is one piece of the funding puzzle
contingent upon Chap 90 funding
contingent upon Council continuing to fund the water line replacement program every 5 years
a big band aid but not the total solution
our main roads are in good share except for Pleasant St, the subdivisions are in danger of imploding
Cantorregi - "I'm picking up the pieces of poorly executed roadways from the building booms earlier"
Bissanti - I will support this going to the voters
Nutting - we have the lowest tax rate around
Bissanti - the amount of service we get for the tax rate we pay is great
Pfeffer - question on what would happen if Council voted not to use the money?
Nutting - I would take from that that you can't use it, it would sit
Pfeffer - would you need additional employees?
Cantorregi - it is too early to tell, it may be part time or seasonal inspectors to ensure that the work is done
Feldman - Any other funding options?
Cantorregi - every town is looking for funding, the Legislature has funded a good amount, the Governor has not released it, so we are at their mercy
Nutting - this makes the most sense in terms of planning and pricing, cheaper option than funding this via debt. It is the people's option to make their choice. The roads are going to get fixed without money.
Cantorregi - a mix of preventive maintenance, road repairs, and sidewalk repairs/maintenance
Nutting - part of it is art and part is science, the five year plan is in your packet
Vallee - What is the status with Lincoln St?
Cantorregi - some small stuff might be done before the 4th of July, we do want to do it after school is out
motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0
9. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 14-728-R: Industrial to Single-Family III - 2nd Reading
changes a small group of homes, has been discussed previously
motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0 via roll call
10. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 14-732: Amendment to the Franklin Town Code at Chapter 185, Section
21. Parking, Loading, and driveway requirements - 2nd Reading
changes sight distance requirement of 400', to MA distance standard, based upon uniform traffic rather than a set amount; and streamlines the process to have the Planning Board handle it rather than the ZBA
motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0 via roll call
11. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 14-733: Zoning Map changes from Commercial I to Downtown Commercial District in an Area on or Near Alpine Row - 2nd Reading
based upon Master Plan recommendation, five parcels on Alpine Pl, as well as the zoning workshop
motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-1 via roll call (Bissanti the only 'no')
12. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 14-734: Zoning Map Changes from Industrial to General Residential V District in an Area on or Near Josephine Street - 2nd Reading
changes a hand full of locations from industrial to residential, should have been done years ago, it is not buildable land
motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0 via roll call
13. Bylaw Amendment 14-737: Amendment to Sewer System Map – 1st Reading
Bissanti recuses himself
36 Pinehurst St extension; had failed septic system, no opportunity to rebuild according to inspector, no extension beyond this lot
motion to pass to second reading, seconded, passed 8-0
