Thread by @FranklinMatters

Ready for Iive reporting on back to back meetings; first up, economic development subcommittee and inclusionary zoning #edc1130 franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/…

To be followed by the Town Council meeting at 7 franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/… #tc1130
Tax rate hearing info franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/…

Meeting opened by Chair Hamblen, Jones, Frongillo, Sheridan, and Rondeau in Chambers; Hunchard via remote; so any votes will be via roll call #edc1130

Planning Director Bryan Taberner provides an overview of the proposed changes to introduce this measure. #edc1130 map being shown on the screen of the zoning areas

Clarification on 4 vs. 5 in some of the prior drafts, should be 5 in all places. #edc1130 consideration of getting affordable units after 30% of development (so if something happens, and they were planned for the end and didn't happen, the Town would be left short)

Also consideration for the affordable units #edc1130 that are permitted in another area. Back to the 5vs4 question, from 5 units to 14, only 1 required as affordable to meet 10% requirements; Planning Board would need to approve the alternative site

Question on 15 units vs 20 units gives the Planning Board ability to regulate - this is part of the density piece not part of inclusionary #edc1130 Frongillo, Q on how did we get to 10%, Hellen explains cap by state rule at 10%

10% also aligns with the 10% 40b units, it is a middle road. Rondeau clarification questions answered. Halligan (from audience) comments great example of a walkthrough to say we should be working on setbacks, etc. To make the building feasible #edc1130

Hellen asks Q, what is the percent that would make it work? If not 35%, then 50, 70, 100? #edc1130 Frongillo still to the point this won't get us anything (maybe up to 15-20 units be4 requiring affordable) would like to work with developers to find the #s that work

Hamblen Qs is what is the starting point, 5, 8, 10 (vs Frongillo at 20-25 or so). #edc1130 motion to send to full council for recommendation to planning board, 6-0 via roll call
Motion to adjourn, 6-0 via roll call

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Getting ready for the Town Council meeting, catching breath, relaxing fingers, will pick up at 7
#tc1130

Chair Mercer gavels in the session a little after 7, only 7 members present (Dellorco, Pellegri) not present unless coming in remote #tc1130

Dellorco not expected, Pellegri expected, citizen comments, none in Chambers, none in Zoom land either, public hearing coming up, going to the donation from Elks Riders first #tc1130

Elk riders have tripled in size over 3 years, #tc1130

Presenting check for $1000 for veterans gift fund. Shannon Nisbett, VSO thanks the riders for the gift, it helps the veterans for this help
#tc1130

Resolution 22-76: Gift Acceptance - Elks Riders Donation to Veterans’ Services Department
(Motion to Approve Resolution 22-76- Majority Vote) franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/… #tc1130 motion to approve, seconded, passes 7-0

Public hearing for tax classification now open; Director of Assessor Kevin Doyle, Chris Feely, chair board of assessors to present #tc1130 info gathered fairly and equitably. New growth strong in residential area

Info gathered from July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022, auto 2.5% added, then debt exclusion amounts added, #tc1130 the tax rate 12.58/1000 results in an increase to the average housing value of $409 for a total of $7000/year

Pellegri was announced as participating remotely (hence votes via roll call) #tc1130

My slides I think tell the story better (my 2 cents) #tc1130 you can check them out here franklinmatters.org/2022/11/good-n…

80-20 has been consistent and not good or bad, (ideally it could be more commercial industrial - to help with overall tax fairness) #tc1130 apartment values are based upon income valuations and hence to determine the tax rate and tax bill

Q on residential rate for clarification, if we did exclude first $100k of assessed value, the class still needs to provide the funds so those with higher value housing would be required to pay more #tc1130

MJ Q on debt exclusions, Horace Mann dropping off, FHS remains on for a bit #tc1130

b. Resolution 22-77: Tax Classification Residential Factor
(Motion to Approve Resolution 22-77 - Majority Vote) franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/… motion to approve, 7-1-1 Chandler no, Dellorco absent

c. Resolution 22-78: Tax Classification Open Space Exemption
(Motion to Approve Resolution 22-78 - Majority Vote) franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/… motion to approve, second, passes 8-0-1 via roll call

d. Resolution 22-79: Tax Classification Small Business Exemption
(Motion to Approve Resolution 22-79 - Majority Vote) franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/… motion to approve, passes 8-0-1 via roll call

e. Resolution 22-80: Tax Classification Residential Property Exemption
(Motion to Approve Resolution 22-80 - Majority Vote) franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/… motion to approve, 8-0-1 via roll call

f. Resolution 22-81: Tax Classification Senior Means Tested Exemption
(Motion to Approve Resolution 22-81 - Majority Vote) franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/… motion to approve, second, passes 8-0-1 via roll call

g. Resolution 22-82: Declaration of Town-owned Property Containing “South Franklin
Congregational Meeting House” Located at 762 Washington Street as Surplus and Authorization for Disposition (Sale) to Old Colony Habitat for Humanity #tc1130 6-2-1 to waive reading via roll call

Discussion on South MTG House, an affordable unit coming online through Habit for Humanity #tc1130 thanks for stepping up, keeps the historic aspect, Town will keep the bell, vote on the motion, second, via roll call Sheridan abstains 7-1-1 Pellegri yes, 1 abstain, 1 absent

h. Resolution 22-83: Downtown Parking Lot Kiosks Authorization
(Motion to Approve Resolution 22-83 - Majority Vote) franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/… parking kiosk purchase request, #tc1130 vote to approve, second, passes 8-0-1

i. Resolution 22-84: 2023 Town Council Meeting Schedule
(Motion to Approve Resolution 22-84 - Majority Vote) franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/… motion to amend, 4/5 to 4/26, second, passes 7-1-1 via roll call. vote on motion as amended, 8-0-1 via roll call

j. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 22-887: Zoning Map Changes on or Near Lincoln Street and
Lincolnwood Drive (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw 22-887 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote) franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/… motion to refer, passes via roll call 8-0-1

k. Resolution 22-85: Public Property Naming & Memorial Installation Policy
(Motion to Approve Resolution 22-85 - Majority Vote) franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/… motion to approve, second, passes 8-0-1 via roll call (no effect to something already here, just future)

Town admin report, thanks to S Barbour and M Gunderson for their service at the Senior Center, both retiring. #tc1130
EDC talked about inclusionary zoning, coming to council for future meeting

Councilor comments, Chandler thanks for the Elks Riders, lucky to have them.
Decorations looking good, downtown and common look so festive at this time #tc1130
Motion to adjourn, via roll call 8-0-1

That's all for tonight, catch you next time!

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