Select Board Meeting 03/11/2024
In attendance: Chair John Cronin, Vice Chair Tina Hein, Clerk Ben Sparrell, Town Administrator Travis Ahern
Waiver request fee for the Upper Town Hall May 18, 2024, from the Franklin Children’s Museum
Waiver request for Town Hall rental fees for the Children’s Museum of Franklin’s pop-up event scheduled for May 18th, 2024. Holliston, a nonprofit organization, presented their initiative to bring education through play to the local community. They plan to use a mobile museum to bring large exhibits to different locations in the metrowest area and have already served nearly 2,000 families at four events. The organization aims to expand their reach and bring more learning opportunities to families. Questions arose about their business model, including their admission fees and event scheduling. The organization’s target demographic is children 10 and under, and they plan to offer programming for middle school and under students once they secure a permanent location. The board passed a motion to waive the fees for the event.
Host Community Agreement (HCA) Transfer Request for 89 October Hill Road from Mayflower Medicinal to Onyx Grow LLC
Vote anticipated on transfer/assignment of HCA. Regarding separate process for request to transfer the existing Special Permit, see Planning Board agenda
The board discussed a request to transfer a host community agreement from Mayflower to Onyx Growing, Llc for a property at 89 October Hill Road. Phil Silverman, the attorney representing Onyx Grow, explained they are seeking an assignment of the agreement and amendments to comply with recent changes in law. Kobie Evans, co-owner of Pure Oasis which is set to become an extension of Onyx Grow, confirmed they plan to maintain the status quo without making any changes to the operations previously run by Mayflower. The board clarified that the agreement has some life left due to its five-year period and that the assumption will take over the previous timeframe versus starting over again. Kobie shared due to the Covid pandemic and its impact on construction costs, the decision was made to purchase an existing facility as opposed to building a new one. The plan is to work with Holliston to get the facility operational as soon as possible. Towards the end, the motion to approve the transfer of the host community agreement from Mayflower to Onyx was proposed and seconded.
Public Comment – None
Review Town Meeting Warrant (Draft) as of Warrant Close (March 11, 2024 at 4pm),
Discussion about holding back approximately $10,000 for the 300th celebration and that the MSBA application was signed electronically. The town meeting warrant draft was also reviewed, with no citizens’ petitions received. Two new requests from the Board of Assessors were discussed, along with the potential creation of a stabilization fund. The possibility of using opioid stabilization funds to support the youth services budget was also discussed. Lastly, it was mentioned that there were two not requesting additional funding, but rather reallocating funding from previous warrant articles.
The budget proposals can be viewed here
Weekly Warrants (A/P & Payroll) – motion made by Ben, 2nd by Tina, passed
Comments from the Town Administrator
- March 26 HHS – Housing Production Plan workshop (3A Zoning)
- 1750 Washington St. Veteran’s Services DAV vehicle is parked at the municipal facility
- Celebrate Holliston/Arbor Day Celebration April 2024
Board Business
Engineering Agreement for Design, Permitting of Booster Pump Station and Water Main Cedar Street Area High Pressure Zone – NTE $87,900 for AP Associates
Ben made a motion to accept the agreement as drafted – 2nd by Tina, passed. Travis explained this is an “aged” item and was passed at 2017 town meeting.
Autotycoon update hours till 6:00 p.m. Monday – Saturday – Discussion occurred regarding whether signing off on this would “open the door” to them doing sales from 9am to 5pm versus only detailing from 9am to 6pm. This request was made because of intervention by the State Police. Travis explained there was no option for “dual times’ in the license. Item was tabled pending additional information to be sought by Travis Ahern.
Accept donation to Senior Center from Lorraine Ahronian-Palanzi $100 – Gift Account – motion made by Ben, 2nd by Tina passed unanimously.
Appointment Ellen George as a Registrar for a 3-year term to expire April 2027 – has previous experience. Motion made by Ben, 2nd by Tina, passed.
Other Business
Travis: received Board of Assessors member tendered resignation. This will be added on ballot per Town Clerk. If not on ballot it would be an appointed position. Ben made a motion to authorize adding to ballot, 2nd by Tina, passed
