Rep Roy: What's happening in the district - March 2015 newsletter

This is our regularly monthly newsletter. If you are not yet a subscriber, you can get on our email list by clicking here. View this email in your browser Facebook Twitter Website Email Manufacturing Roundtable Our Second Annual Manufacturing Roundtable was a great success and addressed the economic renaissance of this industry in Massachusetts. It also highlighted some of the good work that is being done at Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School to bolster efforts to aid the manufacturers and students. Beyond the many manufacturers in attendance, the group included US Congressman Joseph P. Kennedy III, Secretary of Housing & Economic Development Jay Ash, members of the energy community, Rick Lord of the Associated Industries of MA, Tri-County Superintendent Steve Dockray, and Franklin's Bob Vozzella, a manufacturing instructor. Vozzella introduced the Center for Manufacturing Excellence which trains young and old to excel in the advanced manufacturing field. Manufacturing is vitally important to the Massachusetts economy. It is the sixth largest employment sector here, and is helping to lead us out of the recession. In our state, manufacturing contributes to more than 10 percent of gross state product (GSP). Over the next five years, manufacturing establishments are expected to expand their employment by an estimated 65 percent. In order to sustain this growth, however, we need to develop a strong nexus between educational and training opportunities and the specialized worker skills required by these companies to ultimately succeed. Events like this show how government, industry, and school officials can work in harmony to create great programs, introduce opportunities for our citizens, and address the skills gap. Sexting bill filed Rep. Roy has filed legislation aimed at changing the way the state prosecutes teenagers charged with "sexting." The legislation provides additional tools to police departments to deal with teen sexting. Current law provides police with a limited ability to react as officers must either charge teens with a felony or nothing. Felony charges can have life altering repercussions to those involved. This bill adds a new section that allows police to charge teens with a noncriminal offense or misdemeanor and also provides for educational opportunities and/or counseling to address the transmission of indecent visual depictions by teens. Rep. Roy worked with his colleagues and Franklin Police Officer Jason Reilly to craft the bill. He also worked with professors from Bridgewater State University and the University of Colorado to develop the bill's educational and diversion components. To view the text of the bill, click here. For the Milford Daily News report on the legislation, click here. Fare relief for commuters Public transit riders will see free access to the MBTA and the commuter rail for one day, while corporate and other passholders will see a 15 percent discount for one month, under a $5 million plan that state officials approved in March. The plan, passed unanimously by the board of directors of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and the MBTA, seeks to make amends for a stretch of poor performance on the MBTA and the commuter rail as the public transit system endured a battery of winter storms. The fare-free day will be Friday, April 24, according to an MBTA spokesman. The 15 percent discount is expected to take place during the month of May. Ladybug on Chronicle WCVB's Chronicle was on hand in Franklin to capture the story and ran a segment on the ladybug. You can view it by clicking here. It's right after the bit about the State polka. "Forty years ago, that second grade class got the ultimate civics lesson and had a direct hand in legislating," said Representative Jeffrey Roy. "It was fun to honor the students and their efforts." Best Buddies dodgeball tourney set for May 3 On May 3, 2015, the Third Annual Best Buddies Dodgeball Tournament will take place at Horace Mann Middle School in Franklin, MA.  Best Buddies is a nonprofit organization focused on incorporating people with intellectual and developmental disabilities into our communities and to provide them with friendships and employment opportunities. The Franklin school system has four organized Best Buddies chapters. The money raised during this fundraiser will go back into these chapters to continue to fund these vital programs. The Dodgeball Tournament is for teams of six of all ages and will include music, prizes, a raffle, and a silent auction. At the tournament there will be double elimination dodgeball games for the different age groups, silent auction items, raffles, prizes, food, drinks, bake sale, and music. Each divisional champion will receive a prize, and the team with the best uniform will also win a prize.  Fliers and registration forms can be found on this Facebook event link which you can view by clicking here. Medway and Franklin receive road funds Rep. Roy joined his colleagues in the House of Representatives  to authorize $200 million for local road and bridge repairs, passing legislation before April 1st so that municipalities can take full advantage of the construction season. Chapter 90 funds may be used for roadway projects, such as resurfacing, drainage, sidewalks, traffic control and lighting, or road building machinery, equipment and tools. The bill includes $944,408 for Franklin, and Medway would receive $402,433. The Chapter 90 formula takes miles of road, population and employment statistics into consideration. After a particularly harsh winter, this funding package and the timing of it is welcome news to communities across Massachusetts, including Franklin and Medway. This robust local funding is critical to the safety of our residents and economic well-being of our cities and towns, and these dollars will help get our roads back in shape. The House has been a longstanding champion of Chapter 90 and other local aid programs. This legislation follows the release of $100 million in Chapter 90 funds by Governor Baker which had been previously allocated by the Legislature but not yet approved. And the amount is in addition to a separate $30 million 'Winter Recovery" fund released by the Baker administration specifically for pothole repair. Copyright © 2015 State Rep Jeff Roy, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you either contacted our office or indicated you wanted to keep updated on the 10th Norfolk District and things going on at the State House. Our mailing address is: State Rep Jeff Roy State House Room 134 Boston, MA 02133 Add us to your address book

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 4/10/15 - THU 4/16/15

FRI 4/10   1:30pm   Adult Coffee and Craft: Bath Salts at Franklin Public Library
FRI 4/10   2:10pm-7pm   Cut-A-Thon and Style-A-Thon Fundraiser at Tri-County RVTHS
FRI 4/10   7-10pm   Chad Larrivee Fundraiser at Elks Lodge in Franklin
FRI 4/10   7:30pm   Ayla Brown at The Black Box 
FRI 4/10   8-9:50pm   Frozen Friday DJ Public Skate at Pirelli Arena

SAT 4/11   8am   New England Family History Conference at 91 Jordan Road, Franklin
SAT 4/11   8am-12pm   Recycling Event - Bottles, Cans, Appliances, Electronics  at Elks Lodge
SAT 4/11   8-11am   Spring Cleaning Fundrasier - Car Wash, Book Drive, Clothing Drive and Bottle and Can Drive at Parmenter Elementary School
SAT 4/11   3:00 - 4:00pm Tech Talk - Basic HTML coding at the Franklin Library
SAT 4/11   4:30-6:30pm   Student Art Show at Franklin Art Center
SAT 4/11   8pm   Cheryl Wheeler Concert at Circle of Friends Coffeehouse

SUN 4/12   1-4pm   Antique Appraisal Day at Franklin Historical Museum
SUN 4/12   1-3pm   Zentangle at Franklin Art Center (call to reserve your spot)
SUN 4/12   2:30 - 3:30pm - Zinio Hands on Workshop - Franklin Library
SUN 4/12   3pm   FREE Opera for Kids: Alice in Wonderland at The Black Box (call to reserve a seat)
SUN 4/12   3:30pm   LiveARTS Concert: String Quartet at FUSF, 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin

MON 4/13   4-7pm   Kindergarten Registration at Horace Mann Middle School

TUE 4/14   9:30am   Giving Youth Sports Back to Our Kids - Franklin TV at 23 Hutchinson St. is looking for audience
TUE 4/14   6:30-8:30pm   Flower Design - Mixed Arrangement, Hillside Nurseries/Lifelong Learning (registration required)
TUE 4/14   7:00pm  Dean Leadership Institute - Jerry Sargent, Citizens Bank
TUE 4/14   7:30pm   Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee’s monthly meeting at the Franklin YMCA - public welcome!

WED 4/15   12-2pm   Adult Painting at Franklin Art Center
WED 4/15   4-7pm   Kindergarten Registration at Horace Mann Middle School
WED 4/15   7pm   Free Franklin SEPAC Workshop: The Movement of Imperfection with Authors of “Shut Up About Your Perfect Kid” at Horace Mann MS

THU 4/16   4pm   Lego Mania Club at Franklin Public Library (ages 3-12)
THU 4/16   6:30-8:30pm   Open Mic Night at The Cake Bar - Free admission, acoustic and a cappella performers welcome
THU 4/16   7-8:30pm   Vegetable garden Basics and more - Franklin HS (register via Lifelong Learning)
THU 4/16   7:30pm   2nd Atlantic Bridge Pipeline Meeting at FUSF, 262 Chestnut Street

For all the Town of Franklin Public Meetings click HERE.

For event details click HERE.

*If you have any suggestions or events for the calendar, please email Renata@BetterLivingRE.com

Horace Mann Day - May 3

The Franklin Historical Commission will celebrate 'Horace Mann Day' on Sunday, May 3, 2015 with a special presentation, HORACE MANN AND HIS WORLD, featuring writer and commentator Peter Golden.


Franklin's most famous son, Mann was a lawyer, politician, abolitionist,  the first Secretary of Education and is most often referred to as the 'Father of Education'.  The museum will unveil the Horace Mann exhibit, which will become
a permanent exhibit.


Invitations are going out to History and Social Study teachers in town.  The public is invited to attend the lecture and enjoy refreshments, including birthday cake in celebration of Mann's Birthday, which falls on Monday, May 4th.

Peter Golden

The Franklin Historical Museum is located at 80 West Central Street, Franklin, and is open 

• Sunday 1:00PM-4:00PM, 
• Thursday 5:00PM-8:00PM 
• Saturdays 10:00AM-1:00PM  

The museum is handicap accessible.

LiveARTS String Quartet - Sunday - Apr 12 - 3:30pm

Our season’s climax and finale is presented by our own LiveARTS String Quartet. Six seasons ago LiveARTS learned about a group of four immensely talented string players who had been playing together but had not yet given a public performance as an ensemble. 

They were enthusiastically invited to share their artistry on the LiveARTS series of Sunday concerts. So special was the mix of musical talent and insight in this premiere performance that a permanent identity was inevitable: LiveARTS immediately offered its name and a residence haven so that this group would continue. And continue it has--appearing every season since. 

The LiveARTS audience has taken this ensemble to its heart, enjoying profoundly some exquisite performances that have approached the pinnacle of chamber artistry.

LiveARTS String Quarter (LiveARTS image)

All Concerts on Sundays, 3:30 pm at the 

Meetinghouse of the First Universalist Society in 

Franklin, 262 Chestnut Street

Doors open at 3 pm. Open Seating. Handicapped accessible.

Additional inforamtion including ticket pricing can be found at http://liveartsma.org/

New Hope 5K & Family Fun Walk - June 6

Event Information:

The New Hope 5K and Family Fun Walk is a community celebration of healthy lifestyles, healthy relationships and healthy communities.

When: 

Saturday, June 6^th, 2015

Where: 

Remington/Jefferson School – 628 Washington Street Franklin, MA 02038

Time:

• 7:45 am Registration opens 
• 9:00 am 5K Race Starts 
• 9:00 am Family Health Fair 
• 9:30 am Family Fun Walk Starts 
• 10:30 am Awards

new hope 5K and family fun walk

Website:

www.new-hope.org

Registration:

http://www.active.com/franklin-ma/running/distance-running-races/new-hope-5k-and-family-fun-walk-2015

Opportunity to Display Local Art in Franklin Businesses

Dear Franklin Downtown Partnership Businesses:  

This summer businesses will have a unique opportunity to support the Franklin Art Association by partnering with local artists to display their work.   Please read the letter below and contact the Art Association if you would like to partner with a local artist.

The Franklin Cultural District Committee is pleased to announce that it will be hosting the first Franklin Cultural Festival from Wednesday, July 29 to Sunday, August 2, 2015.  

The Celebration will take place in various locations in downtown Franklin including: The Black Box Theater (inside and outside on its stage) and Historical Museum, in locations along Main Street that may include but are not limited to The Cake Bar, Dean College, the Public Library, the Town Common, the Senior Center and the Horace Mann Middle School, and in other locations (businesses, restaurants, etc.) The programming will include fine arts, musicians, performers, actors, dancers, poets, culinary artists and photographers.

The Franklin Art Association is interested in doing a joint venue with the FDP.  We would like to get a sense of whether any members of the Downtown Partnership would be willing to allow artists to display work on their walls and or window, during the festival, possibly  having the artist setup inside or out and paint.

Our belief is the pairing of artists and businesses will be beneficial to both. If you have an interest in this joint venue with the Franklin Art Association, please contact Daydre Hamilton, committee chairperson.

Thank You,  Daydre Hamilton  irresistibles@comcast.net  H- 508-528-4421

In the News: Pellegri to retire, Dean focuses on respectful community

Longtime town clerk Deborah Pellegri announced that she would not be seeking re-election this November, marking an end to 30 years on the job. 

Pellegri made the announcement shortly before swearing in Teresa Burr as assistant town clerk Thursday morning. 

"(Burr) has worked in the office for the last five years as assistant to the town clerk," Pellegri said. "We felt now was the time (to make her assistant town clerk). She has the experience, and is ready to take on the responsibility." 

Burr will be the first person to hold the assistant town clerk title for several years.

Continue reading the article in the Milford Daily News
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150410/NEWS/150419537/1994/NEWS

Dean College this week contributed to the national effort to stop cases of sexual assault on college campuses, hosting a series of anti-violence events focused on creating a more respectful community. 

The college recognized NASPA — Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education's campaign, “Enough is Enough” - which aims to promote peace and reduce violence among students. Dean has taken part in “Enough is Enough” week (April 6 through April 10) since 2010. 

The campaign touches on all forms of violence, but the rise of college sexual assaults has brought the issue to the fore.

Continue reading the article in the Milford Daily News here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150410/NEWS/150419559/1994/NEWS

Downtown Project Update - April 8, 2015

From Town Administrator Jeff Nutting:

We met with Anthony Tavalone the MASS DOT employee in charge of the project, a representative of the contractor, Brian Kelly from Dean College, Lisa Piana from the Downtown Partnership, and representatives from the Franklin DPW. 

The contractor stated he is going to split the project into two phases leaving the reconstruction of Main Street from the Bridge to Emmons Street until to 2016. The contractor indicated he would most likely begin around April 20th starting up near the Red Brick School and working towards Emmons Street over the next couple months. He also will be completing the remaining drainage work on the project (except Main Street) and installing the light bases for the new street lights along the project during that time period. 

Once he completes Main Street from the Red Brick School to High Street to Emmons, he plans to work on Emmons then West and East Central Street during this construction season. This work is likely to take place over the summer and fall. 

We plan to meet in two weeks and will update the community on a regular basis. If anyone has a question please feel free to reach out to the DPW Director, Brutus Cantoreggi or Town Engineer Michael Maglio at 508-553-5500 or my office at 508-520-4949.

Construction on Main St during 4Q - 2014

Franklin Cultural Festival – Summer 2015

The Franklin Cultural District Committee is pleased to announce that it will be hosting the first Franklin Cultural Festival from Wednesday, July 29 to Sunday, August 2, 2015. 

The Celebration will take place in various locations in downtown Franklin including: The Black Box Theater (inside and outside on its stage) and Historical Museum, in locations along Main, Daniel McCahill and Oak Streets that may include but are not limited to The Cake Bar, Dean College, the Public Library, the Town Common, the Senior Center, and the Horace Mann Middle School, and in private business locations (banks, restaurants, etc.) within the district footprint. 

Franklin Town Common bandstand

Significant streetscape work is planned for downtown Franklin during summer 2015. The Cultural District Committee hopes to have a better understanding of space restrictions resulting from construction sometime during the month of April. At that time it should be able to specifically name the available spaces for events and performances.

The Franklin Cultural Festival Committee will supervise and facilitate the performances and fine arts/culinary arts events from Wednesday, July 29 to Sunday, August 2. Individuals, businesses, and organizations may wish to have events/performances before or after the Festival dates. 

While the Festival Committee’s work is limited to these five (5) days, it will include other cultural events/performances in program materials. To be included in the Festival, as well as in the program materials, the information needs to follow the submission guidelines and all information needs to be submitted by April 17, 2015 at 5:00 PM.

Applications to participate in the fine arts, performing arts, or culinary arts events associated with the Festival may be obtained from the Cultural District Steering Committee members or requested by email. 

The Franklin Cultural District Steering Committee includes: Alan Mercer, Roberta Trahan, Sue Sheridan, Jim Schultz, and Pandora Carlucci. If you would like to receive a copy of the participation application packet, please email the Cultural District Steering Committee at franklinculturaldistrict@gmail.com. 

 If you are interested in learning more about the Franklin Cultural Festival please attend our next meeting on Tuesday, April 21 at 7 PM at The Black Box



The application is also available here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/02/franklin-cultural-festival-application.html

Dean College: Free Executive Lecture - Jerry Sargent

DEAN LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE 10th Executive Lecture Jerry Sargent President, Citizens Bank, Massachusetts April 14, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. You are cordially invited to join the Dean College community for our annual Executive Lecture presented by the Dean Leadership Institute. On April 14, 2015, we welcome Jerry Sargent, President of Citizens Bank, Massachusetts. Sargent serves on various business boards aimed at improving the vitality of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. In this capacity, Jerry serves on the executive committees of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and the Massachusetts Business Roundtable. He is also a member of the Boston Financial Services Leadership Council. In 2011, then-Governor Deval Patrick appointed him to the Massachusetts Economic Development Planning Council. REGISTER TO ATTEND   2014 Dean Leadership Institute Dean College welcomed Bianca de la Garza, Newscaster for WCVB Boston and Founder of Lucky Gal Productions. Free Event Open to Public Register Now   When Tuesday, April 14, 2015 at 7:00 p.m.   Where The Guidrey Center Dean College 100 W. Central St. Franklin, MA 02038    Quick Links Directions Dean Leadership Institute School of Business Stay Connected

You can be in the studio audience! Apr 14th

We would like to invite the public to be part of a studio audience at our new Cable TV studio.  

We are inviting the public to a series of thirty-minute shows on topics trending in education with a focus on raising resilient children.

The first is to be held on April 14th at 9:30 a.m. at the studio on 23 Hutchinson Street.

The topic is:  Giving Youth Sports Back to Our Kids, featuring Jay Horrigan, who has a wealth of experience through his involvement with sports programs at all levels.

The new studio is beautiful... we are so lucky to have it in our town.  This is a great opportunity for people to visit and interact on topics of interest.

I am hosting the program

       Anne Bergen
(recently retired principal of Horace Mann Middle School)

main entrance to Franklin TV studio on Hutchinson St

Franklin, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, Walpole Atlantic Bridge Pipeline Meeting

There is a second meeting scheduled for Thursday, April 16, at 7:30 PM at the First Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut St, Franklin. 

This is for those who are concerned about a proposed gas line that would run through our towns. This proposal has lots of problems and we can discuss many of them. 

For more information call Jim Hill at 508-528-4888.

Related post
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/04/10-miles-of-pipeline-through-towns-like.html

Reminder: Spring Art Show at THE BLACK BOX - Apr 18-19

2015 Spring Members Show and Sale will be held at the Black Box Theater, 15 West Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038

Saturday, April, 18th 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Sunday, April, 19th  12:00 pm to 3:00 pm

The exhibit is free and opened to the public

* Exhibit of original works of fine art and photographs 

* Bin sales of original works of art and prints 

* Complementary food and beverage 

* Clothes line art sale

Franklin Art Association - Spring Show

Awards ceremony Saturday evening at 7:00 pm

The Franklin Art Association since 1971

Sponsored in part by the Franklin Cultural Council

For further information please visit our web site at www.franklinart.org

and www.facebook.com/FranklinArtAssoc

THE BLACK BOX Theater, 15 W Main St, Franklin

#shopFranklin 

News from Norfolk County Registry of Deeds

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register O'Donnell Guardedly Optimistic About Real Estate Market Citing both strong growth in total dollar volume of real estate sales and continuing improvement in the mortgage market after reviewing 1st quarter 2015 real estate statistics, Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell expressed "guarded optimism" that the Norfolk County real estate market will continue to show improvement. The Norfolk County Register noted, "During the 1st quarter of 2015, the total number of deeds recorded fell a minimal 1% compared to the same time period last year. However, the total dollar volume of residential and commercial real estate sales increased by a robust 24% during the quarter and the average sale price of property increased an impressive 22% in Norfolk County to $793,805 over the same period of time. "The figures clearly indicate a continuing issue with the low amount of real estate inventory, given the numbers of potential buyers, but on the other hand it also shows an improving economy in Norfolk County, making it a desirable destination location to both live and work. These numbers are striking when taking into account the horrific record-breaking winter weather experienced in the months of January and February. After all, it is very difficult to sell real estate when the property for sale is buried in 3 feet of snow." Another significant and promising piece of 1st quarter data was the notable 46% increase in the number of mortgages recorded, resulting in a total of 6,679 mortgage transactions as compared to 4,566 during the same period in 2014. O'Donnell stated, "The mortgage figures are further evidence of an improving real estate market, but additionally illustrates an increasing rise in consumer confidence. The mortgage refinance market is critical to the economy as augmented credit means a corresponding increase in goods and services being purchased by consumers and businesses." However, one area of continuing concern was a discouraging 24% increase in the number of foreclosure deeds recorded. Register O'Donnell noted, "That figure is a sober reminder that the economic expansion in eastern Massachusetts has not benefited all our fellow citizens. The Registry continues to partner with Quincy Community Action Programs at (617) 479-8181 x-376 and Neighbor Works Southern Mass at (508) 598-0950 to help anyone who has received a Notice of Foreclosure from a lender. Both agencies can provide guidance and assistance to homeowners." O'Donnell indicated that more people are looking to protect their property as Homestead recordings increased a modest 1% during the 1st quarter of 2015 with a total of 2,032 Homesteads recorded versus 2,015 during the same time last year. A Homestead recording provides for limited protection against the forced sale of an individual's primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000. Register O'Donnell concluded, "I continue to believe in the Norfolk County real estate market. I am hopeful that the improving spring weather will result in increasing real estate inventory, which will provide prospective homeowners with a number of housing options. The one crucial factor to watch closely though is what action the Federal Reserve will take on interest rates and its effect on both the real estate and financial industries." To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, "like" us on facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com @NorfolkDeeds. The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High Street, Dedham, is the principal office for real property in Norfolk County. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101, or on the web at www.norfolkdeeds.org. Register William P. O'Donnell Norfolk County Registry of Deeds email: registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org phone: 781-234-3336 web: http://www.norfolkdeeds.org

Forward email screen grab of Norfolk Country Registry of Deeds Norfolk County Registry of Deeds | 649 High Street | Dedham, | MA | 02026-1831

Both FHS Lacrosse teams top Attleboro

From Hockomock Sports we find that the results of Wednesday's action were very positive for both FHS Lacross teams. By similar scores the boys and girls teams beat their counterparts from Attleboro.

FHS Panthers

Boys Lacrosse
Attleboro, 2 @ Franklin, 20 - Final


Girls Lacrosse
Franklin, 18 @ Attleboro, 3 - Final 

- Freshman Jordan Jette paced the Panthers with a hat trick and also added an assist. Abby Egan scored twice and had three ground balls and Nicole Ellin had four draw controls.

For all the results from Wednesday's action in the Hockomock League
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/hockomock-schedule-scoreboard-040815

Live reporting: Economic Development Committee - Pond St RFP

Present: Kelly, Bissanti, Padula, Vallee
Halligan, Nutting, Taberner


meeting opening at 6:07 PM

Nutting provides an update on a meeting with MassDOT regarding the intersection of Grove and 140 as well as Pond and 140. MassDOT indicated that there is an issue they are planning to do some traffic timing in May (after Starbucks opens). They are hiring an engineer to do traffic counts and study and could have info as early as August. 

MassDOT District 3 has been cooperative and should have some additional info later this summer.

Q - How did the Starbucks get approved with such an issue at the intersection?

A - MassDOT had given a full okay to Starbucks including the curb cuts. The info since then has changed due to the info on the accident incidents there.

Taberner showing via the overhead some slides of the property maps (part of the handout)

one shows the wet land and the 25 foot no build buffer required

one shows the prime forest areas, designated by the State for forestry purposes

one shows the location of the sewer mains running through the site

one shows the location of the former sewer beds which have been covered over or removed

one shows the area of man made dumping by the Town (snow, etc.)

one shows an approximate location of a buffer set back for the neighbors consideration, roughly 200 feet

one depicted a possibility of a 1.6 acre parcel along Pond St that would be more 'marketable' and with less restrictions to deal with

last slide shows the prior 2009 proposal and how it fit into the space

Kelly explains the overall process of getting the RFP out to get something back that would make the most sense at the end of the day.

The property 'clean up' would be done by the developer. We don't know what the cost for that would be. The property is 'clean' today but some of the structures etc. would need to be removed to do what they need to do.

You want to give some parameters to the developers so they can make a decision and bring us a proposal so we can decide.

Proposals would be checked to see if the legalities were met, then brought through the Committee (and public review) before making a proposal to the Council. Where they would also have a public hearing before making the decision which requires a 2/3 vote.

We appreciate the buffer. Have the solar farms been ruled out? While the prior RFPs were unsuccessful, could we at least include the option?

It would likely be two proposals, one for the solar and one for the other options

Halligan offered that it could be $500-2000/acre for solar, so it wouldn't make to much sense to the Town

Kelly offered that he would like to see both options go out to see what we can get.

Halligan - offered that the tax revenues would be so much less.

Kelly - I don't see the reason why we don't put it out. 

Nutting - you wouldn't sell the land for solar, you'd lease it. If someone did buy it and put solar in, they could take the solar down at some time and have the 'free' land. 

Part of the lease deal would be how close to the intereconnect it would be to connect to the grid. The hotel would be significantly more than the solar farm.

I understand the desire to make money from the property. If the town loses the space to dump the snow, where would you put it?

The traffic is going to be a problem.

Do we wait for the traffic study for the RFP?

No, not really, the tax breaks for solar end in December. We need to move to find out.

All the questions will not be answered unless the RFP goes out and comes back possibly with a bid or two. It may be that we get no bids.

The rough frame work, hotel, office, medical building, and a residential component. We need to go forward with something to get something back.

Could get the solar component out now as it would not be affected by the traffic. When the numbers come back in the summer, we could incorporate the traffic numbers and do the two staggered?

Solar is allowed anywhere (by zoning), if doing a solar only (should be a lease deal as mentioned). Usually 30 days but we like to do 45 to give it time. Depends upon on the Council would like to proceed.

You would have a bit at the apple at every junction. What we craft would go to the Council so you could there.

Padula - I would move the RFP forward. Our board is charged with the duty to put something reasonable forward for the Council to decide. 

motion withdrawn, let's get the requirements together
200 foot on Pond, 150 on Walker

If you go with solar, those trees are going to go. The property is east west and you need the clearance for the sunlight.

Clarification that the access to the waterway, MIne Brook, would still be maintained?
Yes, it is there and needs to be there.

Halligan proposes to keep it open and have the developer come in to do a presentation.

It is the balance act for the council between revenue and traffic. What are they going to want to decide?

Question on where the building would be sited and how tall it would be. The zoning is 3 stories by right and 5 by special permit.

Verhagen - It is not just traffic but quality of life for the neighbors. One moved out today and one is in the process of doing so. 

Property value would decline when the area becomes undesireable part of town due to the traffic.

Bissanti - I got to think that an appraiser coming out there would negatively affect. I would caution on use of Zillow values, sometimes they are spot on sometimes they are not.

Padula - I am going to move for an open RFP. I am going to vote my conscience and make a good decision based upon what we know.

Motion to put out a general RFP, seconded

Question on where the document is that has the language agreed to?
Bryan can draft the document and if needed it can be amended at the Council.

all four members of the Committee voted for the RFP

second proposal

Motion to make a motion for a solar lease, seconded for discussion purposes
Can the buffer be reduced for solar?

Padula - I am not sure it is a great idea to do concurrent RFPs
Kelly - there should be no problem with doing both at the same time, they want it.  

Nutting - I think we should do the solar first and then come back with the second RFP

Someone could put solar in with the original RFP

move for a vote on this

Two separate RFPs would cause confusion among those developers who would make a response.

Padula - no, vote passes 3-1

the two RFP will be on the same Council agenda

meeting adjourns