Justin Hanscom

The committee discussed the Solid Waste Ordinance, noting that informational letters are pending receipt of numbers from Casella and that the expected date for the new ordinance implementation has been moved to November 1, 2024. Potential purchase locations for the required trash bags were identified. In other business, the committee reviewed the process for negotiating the extension of the curbside pick-up contract. Discussions also covered the budget for replacing the Transfer Station scale ($79,920), the status of recycling for glass, metal, and #6 Styrofoam, and the need to check on protective structures for the new scale. Updates were provided on the paving schedules for South Main Street (scheduled for 9/3/24) and Bow Street (scheduled for spring/summer of 2025, pending sewer work completion). A request was made to repair a knocked-over speed limit sign and a pothole on Birch Street.

The meeting involved the approval of the October 1, 2025 minutes, with some members abstaining due to absence. Key new business items included two variance requests (Z25-15 and Z25-16). Z25-15 sought a variance to allow subdivision of a lot with insufficient frontage, which was approved after discussion regarding lot size averaging and the necessity of a shared driveway due to a cliff. Z25-16 requested variances for significantly reduced front and side setbacks to allow for the construction of a residential garage on a merged lot; this was approved with the condition that the structure remain for residential use only. Under other business, the Board discussed the ongoing topic of setback requirements for the Lake Protection District, concluding that while the variance process provides necessary case-by-case checks, the Planning Director will propose ordinance tweaks in January to potentially clarify or refine the rules. The Board also discussed and tentatively moved to change the meeting schedule from the first Wednesday to the second Wednesday of the month.

The Council Workshop meeting addressed several agenda items. Key discussions included setting a public hearing for Resolution 09-26, which authorizes an appropriation of $242,702 from the additional fund balance to the Franklin School District. The Council also set a public hearing for January 5, 2026, to consider amending an ordinance regarding an optional property tax credit for service-connected total disability, raising the credit amount. Furthermore, permission was granted to the City Manager to negotiate sales of small city-owned property parcels with abutting citizens, with all sales requiring subsequent Council approval via Quitclaim Deeds. The Council entered and subsequently exited a non-public session to discuss the performance of a current City Employee, voting afterward to seal those minutes.

Key discussions included a review and request for feedback on the draft Annual Report concerning the Index of open space, specifically land owned by the City of Franklin exceeding five acres. The Commission discussed its role in updating the Master Plan, which is currently on hold pending Director Chunn's participation. A follow-on discussion on recycling surfaced numerous ideas, such as involving non-profits, establishing a swap shack, and forming partnerships with other communities, contingent upon City Manager stability. The Commission also addressed inquiries regarding glass recycling encouragement and the availability of baling equipment for aluminum cans or cardboard. Future activity is anticipated in 2026. An idea was raised concerning setting aside an area for a homeless encampment, requiring City Council action and further confirmation on ordinances regarding camping, trash services, and portable toilets. Future meetings were scheduled to take place at 7:15 PM at the Odell Park Cottage, commencing with the subsequent meeting.

The public meeting agenda included seeking approval for two proposed lot subdivisions (PB26-01 and PB26-02), although these were noted to be heard at the March 25, 2026 meeting. A briefing by the Municipal Services Department Director was scheduled regarding existing municipal infrastructure. Furthermore, the Board was set to review a Proposed Ordinance Amendment to Section 305-38 Violations and Penalties, intended to align local penalties with New Hampshire RSA 676:17 to impose higher civil penalties for zoning violations. The Planner's Update covered several items including the Bow Street Infrastructure Project, Cumberland Farms, Proctor Point, Sanborn/Piper Street Name Approval, the Weglarz Solar Project, and FEMA Flood Maps.