Saturday, August 10, 2013

live reporting - Public Hearing - Master Plan (continued)

Committee Chair Jeff Roy providing an overview with use of a PowerPoint presentation similar to that used for the Town Council meeting Jul 17, 2013

Document link here http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/07/live-reporting-master-plan-committee.html

Chris Vericker steps in to lend a hand with the section on Housing. Chris had led the work effort by that subcommittee.

Jeff Roy resumes the presentation on Natural, Cultural and Historic resources
looking to get a performance venue in the downtown area to help draw people and provide some business opportunities

the Master Plan leveraged work by the 2008 Open Space and Recreation plan, incorporating those recommendations and adding to it

leverages the School Dept Strategic Plan within this plan. This plan is updated every 5 years.

Comments open until Aug 16th. Those submitted will be reviewed and incorporated as necessary before the Sep 18th meeting with the Town Council. The document should really be an open around a living document
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/this-is-going-to-be-living-document.html

I stepped up as first commenter thank the committee for their work, this was a great effort by a bunch of volunteers. I raised the use of "in fill development" what does it mean?

Beth Dahlstrom - the term is meant to refer to developing within and on existing developments rather than developing open space.

Second term for definition is "workforce housing"

Jeff Roy - answered that the term was meant to cover broad usage around affordable housing.

This lead to my recommendation to add a glossary and improve the overall accessibility of the document. You can link within the doc from the term to the glossary.

Councilor Judy Pfeffer also commented on the use of "workforce development" looking for clarification on the term. She also objected to the recommendation of "increased funding for the Schools". As a Town Councilor, their challenge is to provide equitable all Town departments and the plan should pick one over the others.

Dennis Grillo - As a developer, the key issues should be making it affordable to business in town. I am not against any of it. I am not really sold on green energy. green energy supplies about 2 % of our tax dollars on failed projects.

Chris Vericker - This is not a spending plan, this is a guideline for the Town to use in planning.

Jeff Roy - that is what this plan is all about. If we are going to grow, we have to grow smartly. They should be considering these details. one of the struggles for a community like Franklin in achieving green status, we are already doing so much in this space that we can't easily achieve this status.

Dennis Grillo - What green costs to produce and what the return is, think about the return on the dollar. Money is easy to spend. It has to make sense.

no other comments or questions so the meeting is officially closing

Live reporting: Public Hearing - Master Plan 2013

from the Franklin Public Library

presenters: Jeff Roy

Over view with presentation similar to that provided to the Town Council on July 17th

Franklin, MA: Master Plan draft for review

"this is going to be a living document"

The public hearing on the Master Plan will be held today at 10:00 AM in the meeting room at the Franklin Public Library.

"It’s the most important part of the process," state Rep. Jeffrey Roy, committee chairman, said Friday. "We’ve gotten public input along the way in bits and pieces … but I don’t think anyone has seen the project we’ve put together in one document. People may look at some of the ideas a little differently in the context of the bigger picture."

The 172-page master plan includes overarching goals, which are presented with specific actions for how to achieve them.

Roy said he has already fielded calls about certain sections of the document.

"The initial reactions I’ve seen are on the housing component," he said. "Folks think there is too much emphasis and focus on workforce housing. I’m getting the sense that people think we have enough of that inventory in Franklin."

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x369946656/Hearing-this-morning-on-Franklin-master-plan#ixzz2bYtT3p41

Related posts on the 2013 Master Pin include links to the full plan document

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/master-plan-mission-and-vision.html

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/master-plan-mission-and-vision.html

Reporting from the initial presentation to the Town Council
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/07/the-master-plan-is-here-master-plan-is.html

Run for the Neighbor Brigade - Pam's Run

Franklin benefits from the good works done by our chapter of the Neighbor Brigade. Runners and walkers can participate in either a 3 mile or 5 mile course. All are welcome to contribute to the cause. Follow the link to register for the race or contribute.

“A road race that brings groups of neighbors together to support their communities had long been a dream of Pam’s,” said Nowland. “She understood the power of small, everyday acts of kindness and support, and something like this, which is so grounded in community to benefit Neighbor Brigade’s cause, would have made her heart sing.”

Pam’s Run will take place on Saturday, Oct. 5 from 10 a.m. to noon. A party will be hosted throughout the event with food and fun for all ages.

The race will start and finish at Loker School, located at 47 Loker St. in Wayland.

To register for Pam’s Run go online (www.pamsrun.com). Registration is $30 per participant.

Rescheduled: Bike Tour of the SNETT

Please note: Due to a scheduling conflict, the Bike Tour of the SNETT has been rescheduled to Saturday, August 24, 2013 from 8:30 to noon. If you would like to join the tour, please use the registration link below.

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The Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee (FBRTC) will host a Guided Bike Tour of the Southern New England Trunkline Trail (SNETT). The tour will begin at the Grove Street trailhead in Franklin, and travel west 7.5 miles to Blackstone to learn about the work being done on the trail. In Blackstone, you will have a chance to see the bridge rehab construction taking place, including a temporary ramp from Church St down to the RR grade, which will give you an idea of the Purchase Street ramp. The tour will be led by Mr. Bill DeSantis, Corporate Director Bicycle Pedestrian Transportation of Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. (VHB Engineering).

This event is free, but we ask that you register in advance. Also, parking is available across the street from the trailhead at Grove St.

Like Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail on Facebook

In the News: PMC, St Rocco's

Franklin girl pedals kindness in the PMC Kids' Ride

Last weekend's Pan Mass Challenge wasn't just for the grown ups. Younger riders got into the pedaling act, too, taking part in the Pass Mass Kids' Ride at Patriot Place on Sunday, Aug. 4.

St. Mary's readies for the Feast of St. Rocco in Franklin

St. Mary's Church in Franklin will hold the Feast of St. Rocco Friday night, and all day Saturday and Sunday at the festival grounds across from the Franklin Town Common.

Friday, August 9, 2013

2013 Master Plan: Broad, overreaching goals

In preparation for the Public Hearing on the 2013 Master Plan to be held Saturday, 10:00 AM at the Franklin Public Library, I am sharing this key section. "This section of the Master Plan contains the broadest, most overreaching goals of the Master Plan, and is intended to provide a basic direction for each section."

Land-Use

The following policy statement and general goals were developed by the Land Use and Economic Development subcommittee. The focus of these goals is to establish the Town as a center for development while deterring unnecessary growth.

Policy Statement: Adopt long-term sustainability, and start-growth principles to attain fuller, more efficient development, protecting natural resources and the New England, small town character of Franklin.

General Goals:

Designate areas for workforce housing in order to retain existing businesses and attract new industries;
Minimize the occurrence of new development by focusing on Brownfield re-development; and
Protect the health of our citizens and help sustain our businesses by preserving natural
lands and the resources they provide.

Natural, Cultural and Historic Resources

This element’s policy statement and general goals were drafted by the Open Space and Recreation and the Natural, Cultural and Historic Resources subcommittee. The focus of these goals is to protect and support Franklin’s history, character, and creative and cultural resources.

Policy Statement: Preserve Franklin’s New England, small town character through controlled growth, preserving scenic vistas, supporting local arts and culture, and protecting historic architecture.

General Goals:

Protect and preserve the integrity of natural resources in town;
Provide resources for the arts, and support cultural initiatives in town to foster education and creativity;
Maintain the Town’s historic appeal by identifying and protecting trademark land and historic characteristics.

Open Space and Recreation

The Open Space and Recreation and Natural, Cultural and Historic subcommittee developed this policy statement and general goals, which acknowledge the importance of open space and recreational resources for the physical and emotional health of Franklin’s residents. The policy statement and general goals aim to: increase open space and recreational availability and accessibility; maintain existing facilities and spaces for these resources; and make knowledge of these resources more abundantly available in Franklin.

Policy Statement: Open space and recreational resources are a key contributor to the quality of life in Franklin and an important aspect of the community’s appeal. Open lands help protect the Town’s water supply, manage flood waters, provide wildlife habitat, and provide opportunities for passive and active outdoor recreation within the Town.

General Goals:

Document the Town’s open space and recreational resources, and improve public awareness of these resources through increased education, signage, publicity, and events;
Preserve existing unprotected natural and open space resources in Franklin;
Provide opportunities for passive and active recreation to meet the community’s evolving needs;
Implement sustainable practices in the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of Franklin’s public parks and playgrounds; and
Investigate grant programs and other revenue sources available to provide funding for the goals and objectives of this chapter.

Circulation

The Circulation and Housing subcommittee championed this section’s policy statement and general goals. This subcommittee made sure all of the Town’s priorities in transportation were up-to-date and comprehensively covered. The subcommittee and DPW were also heavily involved in the development of the specific Circulation goals, objectives and actions, for moving forward.

Policy Statement: Assure the safe and efficient movement of goods and people within the Town of Franklin, and across the regional transportation network, by providing a range of integrated transportation options.

General Goals:

Provide the necessary infrastructure to keep Franklin’s citizens and businesses moving and growing in town;
Support green, sustainable transportation initiatives by accommodating pedestrians and cyclists throughout town;
Reduce the dependence on single passenger vehicles by improving public transportation and ridesharing options; and
Improve access and circulation in the Downtown.

Housing

The Circulation and Housing subcommittee created this section’s policy statement and general goals, ensuring the equal treatment of all of Franklin’s residents, while protecting natural resources and welcoming new industry for continued growth and development within Franklin.

Policy Statement: Support in-fill housing practices and provide for all affordability options, giving Franklin’s residents the opportunity to maintain a decent standard of living.

General Goals:

Provide sufficient affordable housing;
Encourage clustered and mixed-use housing to minimize land-clearing as well as conserve open and natural lands;
Encourage the development of small scale housing units in and around the Downtown; and
Welcome new industrial development by designating areas for workforce housing.

Economic Development

The Economic Development policy statement and general goals were developed by the Land Use and Economic Development subcommittee, and address the long-term financial strength and growth for the Town of Franklin. These general goals, along with the specific Goals, Objectives, and Actions outlined in the Implementation Element, are tailored to be in-line with the State’s Economic Development Plan which addresses five initiatives: advancing education and workforce development for middle-skill jobs through coordination of education; economic development and workforce development programs; supporting innovation and entrepreneurship; supporting regional development through infrastructure investments and local empowerment; increasing the ease of doing business; and addressing cost competitiveness.

Policy Statement: Adopt strategies for business and workforce retention and attraction to diversify Franklin’s economic foundation, and increase its property tax yields.

General Goals:

Actively pursue the improvement of infrastructure to attract large industry, small businesses, and skilled workers;
Further incentivize the biotechnology, medical device, and research industries to come to Franklin; and
Advocate for the small business community, especially within and around the Downtown area.

Community Services and Facilities

The Community Services and Facilities subcommittee, with the assistance of Town Department Heads and other staff members, developed this section’s policy statement and general goals. The main priorities influencing this section were to serve Franklin’s residents and make sure any new services were developed sustainably.

Policy Statement: Provide adequate and appropriate facilities and infrastructure necessary to accommodate current and future community needs by maximizing use of existing resources and adding new assets in an economically prudent manner.

General Goals:

Continue to provide quality police, fire, and emergency medical services to keep Franklin’s residents safe;
Invest in Franklin’s future by increasing funding for its schools;
Increase the capacity of the Town’s water and sewer supply as needed to accommodate new industrial development and strengthen Franklin’s economic and social infrastructure; and
Support the safe and timely movement of people and goods throughout town.

The public input period is open until August 16, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. A copy of the Draft Plan is available online at http://town.franklin.ma.us/pages/FranklinMA_Planning/masterplandoc/doc, at Franklin Public Library or at the Department of Planning & Community Development in Franklin Municipal Building.

Franklin Music students 'tagging' this weekend

This weekend, Franklin Music students will be "tagging" or collecting donations at Stop & Shop for their upcoming performances at Disney World.

Stop and Shop

The bands, choruses and others will be performing an adjudicated concert in April, 2014 during school vacation week. This is one of several fund-raisers the Franklin Music Boosters is sponsoring so that students can help to pay for their trip.

Additional information on the Franklin Music Boosters can be found on their webpage:
http://www.franklinmusic.org/

Farmers Market: today - noon to 6:00 PM

on the Town Common, along the High St side.

Farmers Market today

Hockomock Area Y: Active Older Adult Day - Sept 5

The Hockomock Area YMCA Live Y’ers will sponsor the community’s annual Active Older Adult Day on Thursday, September 5th from 8:30am to 1:30pm at the Y branch located at 300 Elmwood Street in North Attleboro. Highlights include continental breakfast, activities, workshops, and a barbeque lunch featuring live entertainment by Dave Valerio. The cost for the day is $5 and all are welcome.

Community organizations represented during Active Older Adult Day will include GATRA, CVNA, Sturdy Memorial Hospital, Ameriprise Financial and more, offering tips and information. Also, guests are encouraged to try something new or check out a longstanding interest. 45-minute workshops on a variety of topics will be available, including: Balance, Family History, Healthy Lifestyles, Reflexology, Yoga, Travel, LIVESTRONG at the YMCA, Jewelry Making and much more! Come for the day, for the workshops or just for lunch, whatever fits your schedule.

Live Y’ers brings people together, age 50 and over, with the commitment to the advancement of healthy lifestyles achieved through the nurturing of mind, body and spirit. Members meet monthly to plan overnight trips, day trips, lectures, special events, exercise classes, and more. Anyone interested in attending the September 5th Active Older Adult Day is invited to attend. You do not have to be a member of the Y.

To register for the event, please call a Hockomock Area YMCA branch: Franklin 508.528.8708 | Foxboro 508.643.2423 | North Attleboro 508.695.7001. Or, for further information, contact Live Y’ers Coordinator Anne Lonzo at 508.643.5260 or annel@hockymca.org. Pre-registration is suggested but not required.

About the Hockomock Area YMCA

We believe that lasting personal and social change can only come about when we work together to invest in our kids, our health, and our neighbors. That’s why, at the Y, strengthening community is our cause. Every day, we work side by side with our neighbors in our community to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. Reach Out for Youth and Families is our annual support campaign to provide a YMCA experience to more than 15,000 local children and families in need.

In the News: candidates pull papers, regional dispatch center, St Rocco Festival

Two pull papers to run for Franklin Town Council

An incumbent councilor and a Finance Committee member have taken out nomination papers for a seat on the Town Council, while an incumbent School Committee member has pulled papers to return to that board.

Franklin council backs regional dispatch center

A regional dispatch center for the towns of Franklin, Wrentham, Plainville and Norfolk is one step closer to reality after the Franklin Town Council voted to move the project forward.

St. Rocco's Festival schedule of events

The 35th Annual Feast of St. Rocco gets underway in Franklin tonight, Thursday, Aug. 8, and will run through Sunday, Aug. 11, on the festival grounds across from the Franklin Town Common.

Thursday, August 8, 2013

"It will take lots of money to fix the roads"

The DPW presented a plan to bring the roads currently rated 69 or less up to good condition at the Town Council meeting on Wednesday night. A copy of the presentation will be posted to the DPW webpage on Thursday and then shared here. (Actually update on Aug 12th)

~~http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_DPW/General_Pages/2013%20Roadway%20Presentation.pdf~~

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczZXVxdDQ5VFZGNnM/view?usp=sharing

Knowing I was going to get a copy of the presentation, I did not spend time capturing the numbers. It is likely some of the forecasted numbers could change anyway. Especially with regards to the Chap 90 funding and the local budget. Priorities change overtime and this is shown in the variability of the funding over the last several years.

While the funding is variable, it is clear that in order to fix the roads, it will take lots of money. Now the question becomes where do we get the money? One piece of the proposal is to put forward an override dedicated to roads. Naysayers will jump up and say that is all well and good for the first year but then it will go to the general funds and we'll not see it again so they'll come back asking for more. That would be true except that there is now a dedicated override. The legislation was changed to provide for this feature where some amount of money approved by the voters/tax payers would be dedicated in perpetuity for a specific purpose. In our case, it would be for the roads.

Tina Powderly expressed her approval for such a funding proposal to be put before the voters. Jeff Roy sort of agreed but then said with a new Council coming with the November elections, that such a decision should be left for them. No action was expected to be taken last night. If something does get scheduled before the election, you'll hear about it here. I suspect, the decision will wait for the new Council to decide upon.

The notes from the full Town Council meeting can be found here:

If you haven't seen the road report mentioned, you can find it here

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/01/franklin-road-conditions-from-worst-to.html

Public hearing: Draft 2013 Master Plan

Franklin’s Master Plan Committee will hold a public hearing to receive public input on the DRAFT 2013 Town of Franklin Master Plan. The hearing is scheduled for Saturday, August 10, 2013 at 10 a.m. in the conference room at Franklin Public Library. The Master Plan Committee developed documents, reviewed research and data, and obtained public input to outline and compose a Master Plan for the community. The draft report includes an Existing Conditions Report, Goals and Objectives and an Implementation Plan.

Early in the Master Plan rewrite process, the Master Plan Committee worked to develop general goals and a vision for the Town. The Town's current Mission Statement helped lead the Committee to the development of a new Mission Statement for the Master Plan Committee with a goal of adopting the Mission for Franklin as a community:

“Franklin is a community committed to high quality education and the superb delivery of public services. We strive to attract and retain businesses, both profit and non-profit, that grow our economy, create jobs, and contribute to a vibrant downtown center. We are committed to cultivating accessible open space, a sense of neighborhood, and a desire to preserve the character of our New England town. We support the safe and efficient movement of people and goods within the Town of Franklin, and across the regional transportation network, by providing a range of integrated transportation options. We are a community dedicated to effective planning, responsible land use, balanced growth, responsive government, racial, religious and economic diversity, and care and concern for its citizens and the environment. We value our arts, cultural and natural resources, heritage, and history, in order to foster a well-balanced community.”

The public hearing will give residents the opportunity to comment on the draft document. The Draft Plan was formulated as a result of public input received from public hearings held in May of 2012, review of the 1997 Master Plan, input from Town Officials, various Departments and Master Plan Committee members.

The public input period is open until August 16, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. A copy of the Draft Plan is available online at http://town.franklin.ma.us/pages/FranklinMA_Planning/masterplandoc/doc, at Franklin Public Library or at the Department of Planning & Community Development in Franklin Municipal Building.

Public input will be utilized to formulate the final document. Comments received will be reviewed by the Master Plan Committee and incorporated into a final Master Plan document to be endorsed by the Planning Board and Town Council at meetings during the week of September 16, 2013.

The Master Plan Committee members are Jeffrey Roy, Chairman, Matt Kelly, Vice Chairman, Andy Bissanti, Secretary, Christi Apicella, Nathan Carlucci, John Carroll, David F. Dobrzynski, Jay Duncan, James Esterbrook , Gene Grella, Jeff Livingstone, Greg Rondeau, Timothy C. Twardowski, and Chris Vericker.

The Committee has a website on the Franklin Town page at:
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_BComm/Masterplan.

It also has a presence on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/FranklinMasterPlan.

Residents can offer input online at either site.

In addition, written comments can be submitted to the following address:

Franklin Master Plan Committee at Planning and Community Development,
355 East Central Street
Franklin, MA 02038

Grand Re-Opening: Get In Shape for Women

Get In Shape For Women, the national fitness studio franchise that offers small-group personal training for women in a private, upscale environment, is proud to announce the Grand Re-Opening of its Franklin, MA studio under new management.

Get In Shape For Women, located at 9 Summer Street in Franklin, MA, is celebrating its Grand Re-Opening this Saturday, August 10, 2013 between 12:30 and 2:30 PM. The new management team will be offering guided tours of the studio in addition to door prizes, games, and refreshments. This personalized training facility offers a 12-week transformation program for busy women in a comfortable facility with all the tools they need to succeed.

Franklin’s New Manager Linda Caplan says Get In Shape For Women stands out from other fitness facilities because, “It's the only single group training program in the country that offers women personalized training sessions bundled with informative and insightful nutritional planning.”

Caplan said Get In Shape specializes in "transitioning" - taking clients from a deconditioned and unhealthy state to conditioned and healthy by monitoring four variables:

- Weight training to increase muscle tone and metabolism
- Cardiovascular training to burn fat and calories faster
- Nutrition to learn the proper way to eat and control weight
- Accountability; they check weight and measure body fat every two weeks to establish a baseline and ensure results

"When you reach your goal, maintenance is easier if you continue the behavior that got you there," said Caplan. "Otherwise, it's natural for the body to return to its previous state and fall away from the goals you've set.”

“Clients schedule their 60 minute appointments in person or on the phone. The typical client makes three to five visits a week,” said Maria Spiewakowski, the new owner of the Get In Shape For Women studio in Franklin. "The greatest thing about this model is that we're able to offer personal training at a fraction of a cost of others. The ladies have a great time on the floor. They actually enjoy getting in shape. We aim to make the atmosphere as fun as possible.”

"A lot of people go to the gym for a long time without being monitored and don't achieve the results they desire. People are always going to fall off a little, but monitoring them helps pull them back in," says Jim Earl, full time trainer and nutrition expert at the Franklin studio.

Clients go through their workouts to a cue CD that keeps everyone on track. Personal trainers supervise their breathing, form and technique to progress people and help them push their bodies. The usual session is an hour.

Caplan says the response to the new management team has been overwhelming. “The ladies walk through the door and are greeted by a positive, smiling team. In return, they have a grin from ear to ear! We make sure they feel welcome and reassure each and every client that their transformation is our number one priority,” said Caplan.

The Franklin studio has a variety of different equipment that allow clients to perform different functions such as free weights, functional training stations, treadmills, and elliptical machines. In addition, the Franklin studio has just added the TRX Suspension Training System and Kettlebells to their fitness offerings.

Caplan enjoys her work because she loves interacting with clients and helping them to reach their fitness goals. "I’ve always wanted to have a positive impact on people’s lives. No words can explain the feeling I get when I see someone succeed at reaching their goals. This isn’t a job, it’s a blessing.”

Get In Shape For Women has hours from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturdays.

Call Linda Caplan at 508-530-3072 or Email Franklin@GetInShapeForWomen.com to inquire about a Free Session and Consultation.

Feel free to learn more about the Franklin studio on its Facebook Page:http://www.facebook.com/GetInShapeFranklin.

Video Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zavzq9HhlBU

MassBudget: Analyzing the FY 2014 Budget

MassBudget		Information.
MassBudget		Participation.
Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center		Democracy.

Analyzing the FY 2014 Budget

The FY 2014 budget describes the state's spending plans - and its priorities - for the coming year.

Since all of the Governor's funding-related vetoes have been overridden, the final budget largely mirrors the proposal produced by the legislature. This includes:

State-wide investments to fix and repair our transportation system

Roughly $100 million in additional funding for higher education--which is still 25% lower than the funding level from 2001 (adjusted for inflation)

The first increase in general local aid for cities and towns in six years. Local aid funding, however, remains 46% below the 2001 level (adjusted for inflation)

Our final FY 2014 Budget Monitor shows how the budget affects programs in Health Care, Education, Transportation, Youth Employment, and beyond - including information on Revenue.

In addition, a new fact sheet, "Health Care in the FY 2014 Budget," provides a more detailed summary of the proposals for MassHealth (Medicaid) and other subsidized health coverage programs. It is part of a series of FY 2014 reports describing the effect of various budget proposals on Health Care programs in Massachusetts. The series is produced by the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center in partnership with the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute - and published by the Massachusetts Medicaid Policy Institute (MMPI).

Read our BUDGET MONITOR

Read about HEALTH CARE IN THE FY 2014 BUDGET

See all of our BUDGET RESOURCES

The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts.

MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER

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BOSTON, MA 02108

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In the News: Vinnie DeBaggis, St Rocco's, firefighter grant

As St. Rocco Festival begins, a tribute to 'the Don'

Vinnie DeBaggis was known for many things: His pleasant demeanor, his philanthropy, his volunteerism, his devotion to his family, church and town, and his ubiquitous presence at every Feast of St. Rocco in Franklin since St. Mary’s Parish began celebrating it 35 years ago.

St. Rocco's Festival schedule of events

The 35th Annual Feast of St. Rocco gets underway in Franklin tonight, Thursday, Aug. 8, and will run through Sunday, Aug. 11, on the festival grounds across from the Franklin Town Common.

Franklin gets $741K for firefighters

The Fire Department was awarded a $741,920 grant Thursday to cover the salary and benefits of four new firefighters, thereby eliminating a personnel deficit that has burdened the department since 2011.

General Cable employee stable following accident

A 54-year-old employee of General Cable is in stable condition at UMass Memorial Hospital in Worcester after suffering serious injuries Tuesday at the company’s 20 Forge Parkway location.

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Live reporting - legislation, comments and closing

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
Senior subcommittee working on proposals to bring to the Council

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 13-57: Submittal to Town Clerk of Final Form of Ballot Question, RE: Proposed Charter Amendment Changing Treasurer-Collector From Elected to Appointed Position
motion to approve, seconded, pass 9-0

The language follows the statutory procedure
We do not need to include the actual charter language, do need to send to the voter before hand

Jim Dacey - I am 100% in favor of this
I hear the town should be run more like a business, appointing is the right way to go

2. Resolution 13-58: Intermunicipal Agreement For Regional Public Safety Communications and Dispatch Center
motion to approve, seconded, pass 9-0

Chief Gary McCarragher, I would urge you to approve this
it will allow us to do it better faster and cheaper

Rep Roy - I would urge support, I did use up some political capital to get this
the faciltiy will be state of the art, four communities can benefit from this
there are so many good things about this
I would urge the Council to support this

Nutting - I want to thank Rep Roy, we have been waiting for this
once he got elected, this got moving
the other three towns got this on their selectmens agenda in Sep/Oct

3. Resolution 13-59: Authorization to Sign Amended Regulatory Agreement
Kelly recused himself

motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0, 1 abstained
better to get folks into the building for less money rather than hold out for a higher price

Cornetta - ZBA did approve this in late July

4. Resolution 13-60: Acceptance of Gift – Town of Franklin
motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0

inlieu of putting a sidewalk in front of the gas station,
motion to amend sidewalks at West Central St, passed 9-0

5. Bylaw Amendment 13-718:Amendment to Chapter 185§7-Compliance Required – 2nd Reading
motion to conitnue to sep 4th

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
FEMA has award of grant of $700+K to hire four firefighters with wages and benefits
it took awhile to get this but it is great news, looking to recruit ASAP

sold $50M worth of bonds, about 4% a little higher than thought but lower than the override specified
thanks to Jim Dacey for doing this good work
we have maintained our bond rating which is good news

L. OLD BUSINESS
none

M. NEW BUSINESS
Powderly - request to Citizens Committee, wish for Bennedetto, proposals all for sale of properties, would like to see other area public services, etc. would love to see applied to other areas of the town

Pfeffer - request a copy of last five years paid to ATC

Jones - Sep 4th meeting of EDC would like to listen to any ideas

Cornetta - as mentioned earlier BayState Dev is interested in Pond St property
some kind of general RFP, solicit ideas not just a specific proposal wold like to offer that idea to the Council

Vallee - we are looking for new ideas, we would like to see something specific

McDowell - we could pull something together for that by the 4th

Nutting- this is a public process and has legal complications, traffic, etc.

Mercer - I'd like to see them go to the EDC first and come to us later with a recommendation

Bissanti - this is a general argument about the general RFP

Nutting - an expression of interest is different from an RFP, it is a two step process. If you want to sell the land, you can do that but I think the town wants to control what goes in there. long legal process according to statue. The EDC needs to put its arms around what it wants.

Jones - there have been a few ideas around this property, it would be good to see some more specific ideas

Cornetta - from a developers perspective, they can come up with a proposal/concept, there is a competitive environment, they wouldn't want to come forward and have some one take their idea to run with it.

N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Mercer - Bldg committee 8/21 in council chambers on phase of the high school project
7:00 PM

Bldg Committee meeting on the 19th will be discussing the options for Davis Thayer
meeting at 6:30 in Training room upstairs

Kelly - Did see Bob Dean, recently, he was out and about

Powderly - thank you to the Chief, tonight was a big win-win

Pfeffer - Dean College put up a wrought iron fence, it looks very good
congrats to Rick's and Police Dept for fostering helmets with ice cream coupons
thanks to Rep Roy for getting his first legislation through for the regional dispatch

Jones - the EDC is open and unbiased
I have posted what I hope to be an annual paint ball challenge, all proceed to go to the Franklin Food Pantry

Roy - Master Plan public hearing this Saturday, at the Library 10:00 AM
public comment period open until Aug 16th

O.EXECUTIVE SESSION
– Town Administrator’s Contract
motion to approve, passed 9-0 via roll call

Live reporting: DPW proposal on road repairs

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
- Department of Public Works

Kate Sjoberg, Mike Maglio, Robert (Brutus)Cantoreggi, and Laurie Ruszala

~~(document to be added)~~

http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_DPW/General_Pages/2013%20Roadway%20Presentation.pdf

roads rated 69 or less analyzed

quite a few roads rated 69 or less
if depending only upon Chap 90, the road repairs would decrease
proposal with a possible override shows getting to 70 or better within 5 years

focus had been on water/sewer repairs with road repairs
60% funding from water 40% from other sources

Chap 90 funding is variable (shown in chart)

Council appropriations also vary year to year (shown in chart)

initiative '14 plan
looking for a debt override of a $1M per year (how long not answered yet)

new water study being done in 2014

Nutting
200 miles of roads and each can have an individual issue
water can continue to supply funding for the foreseeable future

dedicated override can be kept to a fund for perpetuity
a million dollar override would cost about $18 per homeowner

Q - Kelly - would the plan be to get the roads accepted before we repaired
A - Yes, we would get them accepted before work is done

Q - would be reducing the road size?
A - yes,
discussion on size of the road in subdivisions, they cover that size of the road

reducing the size avoids the cost of repair and future maintenance

C - Powderly - thank you for this, easy to understand, folks can see where things fall out. The Town is reliant on a zero sum game. the only thing that will fix the roads will be a dedicated override

C - Roy - The legislature did authorize more money in Chap 90. The Governor is authorized to do so, he has not released the funds. he is getting pressure from legislators everyday. With the economy going, I am not sure if this is time to do an override. You'll have a new council in place in November and it would be better for their decision.

C - Bissanti - what happened in the 80's, the DPW were not doing the core and compression tests when they were being built, which is why we ended up with the roads we have now.

C - Nutting - you had residents come in a couple of months ago, more are likely, the only thing that will fix the roads is money. Utimately, the town is going to have to take more responsibility

Q - Dellorco - where are the road ratings?
A - The road ratings are on the town website (see link to be added). If I don't fix them, they are calling you. We are up against it. We have done a lot of work in town. full reconstruction is about $100 sq ft. I am not saying Brutus wants an override. If it is adjusted, we can live with it. The facts speak for themselves. The bubble of the last 80-90's is coming and needs to be addressed.

Live reporting: Town Council - Aug 7, 2013

Present: Mercer, Dellorco, Kelly, Powderly, Vallee, Pfeffer, Jones, Bissanti, Roy
Absent: none

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
– May 8, 2013, May 15, 16, 2013 Budget Hearings
motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
– This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by Franklin Matters.

motion to add to hearing
seconded, approved 9-0

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
none

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
Larry Bennedetto -
Town assuming ownership of train station, Stoughton doing this, want to talk with them first
acquiring 21 acres adjanct to the Recylcing center, Rep Jeff Roy will be working

Richard Cornetta introduced
Motion to allow non-residents to speak, seconded, passed 9-0

Roy McDowell, Todd McDowell
working Legacy Farms in Hopkinton
interest in Pond Street property
looking to work with whomever to do an RFP to sell the property
not a good idea yet but wanted to see interest from Town before pursuing
have looked atr previous plans and can work within those comments

can't be discussed under citizens comments but if they stick around, it can be discussed later

E. APPOINTMENTS
Conservation Commission: Paul Harrington
motion to approve appointment, seconded, passed 9-0

Cultural Council: Rev. Bob Johnnene
motion to approve appointment, seconded, passed 9-0

Election Workers: (see listing in agenda doc)
motion to approve appointment, seconded, passed 9-0
one name to remove Jorgenson(?) as they are no longer a resident

F. HEARINGS
- Violation of M.G.L. 138 §34: Sale, Delivery of Furnishing of an Alcoholic beverage to a person under the age of 21 – Postponed to September 4, 2013- 7:10 PM (Ichigo Ichie and Village Mall Liquors)

hearing added to be continued to Sep 4th

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
none

Master Plan: Zoning

The draft Master Plan 2013 for Franklin is chock full of great information. Zoning plans an important role in how Franklin operates and grows. Look around town, there are commercial zones and residential areas. These are all by design. The design can be changed via the zoning process and the overall guidelines to the design come from the Master Plan. The full plan document runs over 90 pages but should be required summer reading for each Franklin resident and voter.

You can participate in the Public Hearing on this draft on Saturday at the Library at 10:00 AM

The overview section on zoning is shared here:

Zoning

A municipality’s authority to create zoning laws comes from Chapter 40A of the Massachusetts General Laws and Article 89 of the Amendments to the Massachusetts Constitution. Zoning plays an important role in the character of the town and the spatial distribution of land uses. This distribution of land uses has social, environmental, and economic consequences on the Town. These consequences can have positive and negative impacts. For example, increased economic development can help support the Town’s tax base and provide local jobs, but it can also lead to increased traffic congestion. Also, the ways in which development occurs impacts how stormwater is managed, and therefore affects the quality and supply of the Town’s water. Since zoning regulations affect where specific types of development are allowed, it plays a crucial role in the livability of the Town.

In the past sixty years land use theory on zoning has changed considerably. During the mid-20th century single-use zoning became the norm. The developed areas of most communities increased substantially and spread out as residential, commercial, and industrial areas were built far apart from each other. Franklin experienced this pattern of development, commonly known as sprawl, to some extent in the mid twentieth century, but by the 1980s and 1990s residential sprawl had occurred throughout Town, substantial industrial development was occurring on industrially zoned lands west of I-495, and commercial development was
increasing along Route 140.

There are both benefits and advantages, and costs and disadvantages, to this type of development. Some of the benefits and advantages include: ease of permitting; segregated residential areas are thought of as safe; and homes segregated away from commercial and industrial uses often have higher values. Some of the disadvantages and negative consequences of sprawl include increased traffic congestion and time commuting, loss of open spaces, damaged natural resources and wildlife habitat, and loss of a rural New England character. Furthermore, low-density, sprawling development tends not to pay for itself due to the higher infrastructure costs. The Town has recognized the advantages and disadvantages of single-use development and has worked to minimize these issues by amending the Town’s Zoning Bylaws.

Description of Zones

Franklin’s zoning code is documented in Chapter 185 of the Town Code for the purpose of promoting the:

“health, safety, convenience, morals and welfare of the inhabitants of the Town of Franklin, to lessen the danger from fire and congestion, to encourage the most appropriate use of land and to improve the Town under the provisions of Chapter 40A of the General Laws, and of Article 89 of the Amendments to the Constitution. For this purpose, the use, construction, repair, alteration, height, area and the location of buildings and structures and the use of premises in the Town of Franklin are regulated as hereinafter provided.”

The zoning code is regularly modified to reflect the current needs of the Town. At present, the Town Code divides Franklin into 14 Zoning Districts. It should be noted however, that while Zoning Districts have been established within Chapter 185 Section 4 for Limited Industrial and Neighborhood Commercial, no parcels have formally been designated to those zoning districts, and thus are not shown on the Town’s Zoning Map (see Map LU-1: Zoning Map).

You can view the full document online on the Franklin webpage
http://www.franklinma.gov/planning-community-development/pages/master-plan

DelCarte Property: summer time!

I was overdue for a run out by the DelCarte Property and covered that with a visit on Sunday. A gorgeous weather day for running and a wonderful time to view the repaired dam.

shadowed approach to the dam

the reconstructed dam

A brief video with a panorama view

Going back to December 2012 for a comparison view
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/delcarte-property-video_20.html

In the News: General Cable accident, nomination papers available

Man injured in accident at General Cable in Franklin

An employee of General Cable in Franklin suffered serious injuries after he was caught in a piece of machinery, said Deputy Fire Chief Paul J. Sharpe Jr.

Nomination papers available for Franklin elections

Nomination papers for the fall election - in which all seats on the Town Council and School Committee will be on the ballot - were made available this week.

Saturday, August 10, 2013

Friday, August 9, 2013

Thursday, August 8, 2013

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

GA4