Wednesday, December 7, 2016

Live Reporting: Closing

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORTnothing tonight
L. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Jones - private wells are part of the water ban

Pfeffer - joint meeting of Planning Board and Council, should we get one again

Vallee - should put the train station on the
M. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Pellegri - my comment would have been on Officer Marguerite but that was covered

Jones - excited to see the new technology stuff on the agenda

Bissanti - I want to announce my acting debut I will be playing an adult in Humbug!

Pfeffer - I can't think of a better honor to have my name in every bar and restaurant
meeting adjourns




Live Reporting: Legislation for Action


6. Resolution 16-71: 2017 Schedule of Town Council Meetings
Change
March 22 instead of March 15
Sep 20 instead of Sep 27

motion to approve, seconded, passed as amended   9-0

7. Resolution 16-72: Legal Notices
even though the new website was created to post notices
still need to by law post in the newspaper (approx $30,000)

motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0
8. Resolution 16-73: Acceptance of Grant of Utility (Drainage) Easement on Property at 9 Macintosh Street
the pipe was put on the property without an easement, this is legally cleaning up the situation

motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0
9. Resolution 16-74: Declaration as surplus and available for Disposition (Ground Leasing) and Authorization Therefor of a Portion of Town-owned land off Forge Hill
allows Franklin TV to locate their tower on the site, will save money as the town antennas will be moved to this locatiion

this is a win-win, Franklin TV will open up their low band signal at 102.9

motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0
10. Memo to Capital Budget Subcommittee
outline of 'free cash'
10.1 Resolution 16-76: Appropriation - Technology - Google Applications
movement of Town employees to the Google email and applications
will enhance compliance

motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0
11. Resolution 16-77: Appropriation - Turf Field Design and Development
FInCom voted 7-0 on 12/6
'straight forward process, take up carpet, level stone, replace new carpet and use new infill
EPA report coming on the crumb infill in June 2017
encapsulated material recommended, economic alternative but with less issues
the coating can be colored which will reduce the heat generated by the fields

used for about 4-5 years, the longest used material
fields warranted for 8-10 years, your fields should have been replaced a few years ago

We have been saving for this, we have about 800K in the fund, and it is estimated at 1.2 or 1.3M
once we are done, we want to continue to save as we also have a third field to take care of and 8-10 years will go quickly.

motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0
12. Resolution 16-78: Appropriation - Technology - E Permitting
pilot program for Town Clerk's office
would expand to other offices later, want to get the dog licenses up and running for Jan

motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0



13. Resolution 16-79: Acceptance of Gift - Council on Aging

motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0
14. Bylaw Amendment 16-778: Chapter 160, Taxpayers, Delinquent - 1st Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 16-778 to a 2nd Reading (majority))
modernization amendment requires changes to our bylaw

motion to move to second reading, seconded, passed 9-0


Live Reporting: Fire Dept civil service discussion


1. Resolution 16-58: Request for Legislation
Exempting all positions in the Fire Department from Civil Service Law


The formal document can be found here
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/civil_service_0.pdf

Chief McCarragher
The civil service has provided us valuable employees, it is flawed with regards to hiring and promoting. The discussion is to get people into positions quicker. It has cost us 20 weeks to bring people in. It is time to move on from the system and move to a system that will allow us to be more timely.

We don't agree with leaving civil service, we have negotiated the promotion side. It doesn't fix the hiring process. There are a lot of things that it does well and some it doesn't do well. It is not apples and oranges. Hiring would be more difficult

Nutting: I sent everybody a memo, it takes months to get people hired. How can we do this quicker. The Police as an example. They had a test in November, they'll have someone in December, 30 days. It is really up to the Council to make the decision

3 completing physical ability test, 3 other open spots

Dellorco: I took the civil service test in Boston years ago. I called other departments how is taking so long? I don't know where civil service is the problem. Fall River came out 2 years ago, and went back. Would we have preference for children of members?

Nutting: No, not by law

Kelly: we do not proctor our exams

Dellorco: Hopkinton got 35 applications and hired one
Nutting: we could use the civil service list along with this. We struggle with the process as the first person on the list is not the one we want. It does take time to do the background checks, etc. 

Pellegri: why are you so adamant to get rid of civil service?

McCarragher: I don not know that we are adamant, we want an efficient and quicker process. We are trying to do the process better. We think we can do that better outside of civil service than in. It is your decision, we will work with what we have

Nutting: there is not enough people to take the exam, so we are going to wait another year to get a captain. The proof is in the pudding, look at the Police dept. as a good example

Pfeffer: would we get someone from Franklin?

Nutting: any existing list would be honored until it expired. That was always part of the deal. Since 1950, approximately.

Pfeffer: I have been in Franklin all my life, my relatives were fire fighters and I see no reason why we would remove it

Jones: as a member of the two largest unions I am glad for the ability for the two parties. Apparently, there hasn't been enough discussion to reach a solution. I think there needs to be more discussion. There needs to be a reasonable solution to this problem.  

Bissanti: candidly, I see both sides. These are our first responders, I think they should be happy. I haven't been given enough info on going away from it. If they feel comfortable with it, I am comfortable.

Padula: Both sides have compelling arguments. This is not going to be a 9-0 vote. My decision is not going to be based on the morale of the fire dept. I don't feel it is the same as the police. At the end of the day it is based upon significant vetting. A lot of time has been spent on this. They are still talking and that is a good thing. When my head hits the pillow, I will sleep well.

Mercer: I have gone back and forth. I am trying to look at the logic picture, there are compelling arguments at both sides. When civil service came in in the 1950's, there were 15 groups, over the years the other 14 groups have moved away from civil service for one reason or another. Over the time, I have not heard of any mistakes in making those moves away from civil service. Civil service for the existing doesn't change, wheat does change is the new hires coming on board. This is one of the more difficult decisions I have had to make. They are not easy discussions. There needs to be ongoing discussions to make this better.

Kelly: I feel like since I got on the Council that this has been a pending decision. I hope that we can do that tonight and move on. The union and the fire fighters have been great and we'll work together

Yes would send the petition to the legislator
6 no (Pellegri, Padula, Pfeffer, Bissanti, Dellorco, Jones)
3 yes (Mercer, Vallee, Kelly)

Civil Service will stay


Live Reporting: Franklin Advisory Committee


H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
Franklin Advisory Committee

Larry Benedetto

looking to come up with a game plan for the Old South Meeting House
former location of the Franklin Historical Museum
looking to see if grant money for this preservation is available

Train station
looking to see what can be done to help fix up the Depot Station
There is some money for MBTA infrastructure work

Rep Jeff Roy
has been meeting with the T and Keolis particularly about the performance of the Franklin line
there have been improvements
Falmouth train station as an example; a local economic development org will take this one over and enhance it
looking for direction from the Council  to proceed
any given expenditure would trigger ADA compliance
which would include an elevator down to the platform, a costly venture
any of the repairs to the building other than painting would trigger ADA
to become a world class station, it would require high platforms along the entire Franklin Dean Station (similar to those in place at Forge Park)

Nutting: ADA trigger occurs when an improve is made to a building that exceeds 30% of the assessed value

Roy: the other item would adding a double track to the Franklin Line, it is needed from Dedham Corp to Franklin

Roy: The Greenbush line was developed in the right way, all high platforms, etc. That is the good example. Ridership is a factor. Franklin doesn't just serve us, there are folks from the surrounding areas coming into the our stations

Pellegri: would we be able to get an exemption?
Roy: no

Jones: we have had several discussions with the T over the past years. 

Roy: is this a property that you want to take over and run? Is this a parking lot that you want to take over an run?

Pfeffer: a 180 parking spots is not enough for the T, they need a garage downtown to help us and the commuters

(Note there is an operating coffee shop in the Franklin/Dean Station)

Kelly: I am ashamed of the station, it is a mess. I have met the T and Keolis down there, it is all lip service. I am all in favor of doing something with that. Frankly we could do a whole lot better than they could

Nutting: it is public land, they would go through an open process
What are the terms and conditions?

Kelly: I think we are all in favor of doing something  

Benedetto - the salt barn at the MassDOT land at 140/i495 that property rightfully should come back to the town of Franklin



Live reporting: Annual License Renewals


G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
Public Hearing - 7:10 pm

The agenda shows a public hearing but that is a mistake, there is no public hearing for this matter

The listing of the license holders (with tax holds or not) can be found here

motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0


Live Reporting: Tax Hearing


. CITIZEN COMMENTS
Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five minutes on a matter that is not on the Agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments.  The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.

no comments
E. APPOINTMENTS(No appointments listed)
F. HEARINGS
Public Hearing - 7:10 pm
tax rate would increase from $14.50 to $14.58 assuming passage




Live reporting: Town Council - Dec 7, 2016

Present: Pellegri, Padula, Mercer, Vallee, Kelly, Pfeffer, Bissanti, Dellorco, Jones
Absent: none



Agenda ItemSummary


A. Approval of MinutesA. November 16, 2016 Minutes
motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
Town Council Announcements
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
Swearing in of Police Officers
Chief Lynch introduces two new officers
Jack Flynn
Tara Sousa

Chief Lynch introduces Jack Flynn and Tara Souza as new police officers.
Chief Lynch introduces Jack Flynn and Tara Souza as new police officers.

Town Clerk Teresa Burr conducts the official swearing in
Town Clerk Teresa Burr conducts the official swearing in

Chief Lynch retells the story of the police officer who racked the front yard while the two other workers took care of the leaves in the back yard. Over 300,000 views on Facebook.

"Just Louie being Lou"

David Down - recognized with a proclamation
(photo added later)


Councilor Bissanti reading the proclamation with Down family members
Councilor Bissanti reading the proclamation with Down family members

FHS Skidmore, Kuzio, McGrath recognized for Hockomock Volleyball

HockomockSports.com has announced the awards for the 2016 Hockomock League Volleyball. The Franklin High School students recognized are shown here. The link at the bottom will take you to the full listing of awards.


Volleyball First Team

"Erin Skidmore – Franklin – Outside Hitter 
Erin Skidmore – Franklin – Outside Hitter
Erin Skidmore – Franklin – Outside Hitter
Franklin senior Erin Skidmore made plays all over the court for the Panthers in 2016. Not only was Skidmore a top attacking option at the net, she made plays defensively and serving. Skidmore led the Panthers with 180 kills and tied for the team-high in aces with 46. The senior was second on the team with 206 digs and added 15 blocks for the Panthers. “Erin worked hard in the offseason to improve her all around skills and that hard work paid off as she was our go-to player this year,” Franklin head coach Kate Horsmann said."

Volleyball Second Team

"Maddie Kuzio – Franklin – Defensive Specialist 
Maddie Kuzio – Franklin – Defensive Specialist
Maddie Kuzio – Franklin – Defensive Specialist
Franklin senior Maddie Kuzio anchored the Panthers defense from the libero position. In 2016, Kuzio was a reliable option for Franklin’s defense. The senior led Franklin with 473 serve receptions and 342 digs. She was second on the team with 43 assists and finished with 147 service points. “Maddie was a great anchor for our defense this season because she reads the ball really well and is fearless in keeping the ball in play,” Franklin head coach Kate Horsmann said."


Volleyball Underclassman of the Year

"Franklin sophomore Lauren McGrath has been selected as the 2016 HockomockSports.com Volleyball Underclassman of the Year. McGrath was the starting setter for the Panthers and helped guide Franklin back to the postseason. 
As a setter, McGrath was responsible for getting the Panthers’ offense in motion. As just a sophomore, McGrath impressed at accomplishing that as Franklin finished with an overall record of 13-7. 
“Lauren has good skills and is a terrific athlete; that makes for a good volleyball player,” Franklin head coach Kate Horsmann said. “What sets her apart is the energy and enthusiasm she brings to everything she does. She was the heartbeat of our team this year.” 
McGrath finished with 359 assists to lead the Panthers. The sophomore also tied for a team-high in aces with 46. She also chipped in with 79 digs and 11 kills. 
McGrath is the first Franklin volleyball player to win the HockomockSports.com Underclassman of the Year award and eighth Franklin player of any sport to win it (Victoria Stowell, girls soccer; Annie Walsh, field hockey; Jay Dieterle, boys basketball; Nick Santucci, baseball; Michael Sullivan and Eric Civetti; boys lacrosse; Kendall Reardon, girls lacrosse)."
Franklin sophomore Lauren McGrath: the 2016 HockomockSports.com Volleyball Underclassman of the Year
Franklin sophomore Lauren McGrath: the 2016 HockomockSports.com Volleyball Underclassman of the Year

Honorable Mention: Kat Kmetz (King Philip), Molly Turner (Stoughton), Kayli Fagan (Taunton)

For the complete listing of Hockomock Volleyball Awards
https://hockomocksports.com/awards/volleyball/2016-2/

Update on Make Change for Change - 100 backpacks ready to roll

"I wanted to update you on our charity news so that maybe you could share.... I think its a good thing to pass along and hopefully more people will make an effort to make the world a better place for ourselves and our children. 

We are rolling out a "Backpack Brigade" which will deliver 100 comfort/survival backpacks to those in need this Christmas Eve. The backpacks have been filled with donations from the community and we have been working diligently to get these ready for delivery to Rosie's Place in Boston, local shelters, and to those individuals living on the streets this cold winter (this experience will be video taped for documentary purposes). 

We are no longer in need of items for this year however we are accepting financial donations to reach our goal at our GoFundMe page: http://www.gofundme.com/makechange4change"

https://www.facebook.com/MakeChange4Change/posts/1247350031978133

https://www.gofundme.com/makechange4change
https://www.gofundme.com/makechange4change


Courtney Nappa, Founder
Make Change for Change Corp.
(TAX ID 47-5594566)
Cell: 774-270-0925
www.makechangeforchange.org

Finance Committee approves funding

In a preview of the funding measures coming before the Town Council on Wednesday, the Finance Committee heard the updates from Town Administrator Jeff Nutting and Deputy Administrator Jamie Hellen before voting to approve all three.

The three funding items
  • Technology – E Permitting Purchase
  • Technology – Google Applications Purchase
  • Turf Field Design and Development

Town Administrator Jeff Nutting and Deputy Administrator Jamie Hellen
Town Administrator Jeff Nutting and Deputy Administrator Jamie Hellen

(be sure to scroll within the Storify widget to review all the entries)

Additional info on the Finance Committee can be found on their page in the Town of Franklin website   http://www.franklinma.gov/finance-committee

LET'S LAUGH TODAY in Franklin is on Wednesday, December, 7

Trade all your holiday stress for laughter on Wednesday, December 7th from 7:30pm to 8:30pm at he Meetinghouse of the First Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin. 


Come and enjoy this unique exercise of guided laughter exercises combined with gentle breathing that brings more oxygen to the body's cells. This oxygen boost gives enhanced vitality, energy and a feeling of real well-being. Any age and any level of physical ability can participate in this uplifting experience! 

New laughers are always welcomed! $5 donation to the church, $10 maximum per family. Please bring your water bottle because laughing is dehydrating. 


Led by Certified Laughter Yoga Teachers, Linda and Bill Hamaker. www.letslaughtoday.com

If you have any questions, just call them at 508-660-2223 or e-mail billandlinda@letslaughtoday.com.

Tuesday, December 6, 2016

#shopFranklin: Emma's Quilt Cupboard and Sewing Center (video)


#shopFranklin - supporting small business speaks with Cyndi Rich of Emma's Quilt Cupboard and Sewing Center located in the heart of Franklin, MA. 
Find out how Cyndi started the business and learn how to make a simple FOUR seam project that works for any holiday and takes just a few minutes!





one of the storefront windows at Emma's Quilt Cupboard and Sewing Center
one of the storefront windows at Emma's Quilt Cupboard and Sewing Center


Emma's Quilt Cupboard and Sewing Center
Emma's Quilt Cupboard and Sewing Center


MIAA App provides the FHS Sports Schedule on your smartphone!

If you want to follow the FHS Panthers boys basketball team, or any other FHS team, you can download the MIAA app to your smart phone and get the season schedule.

I had heard of the app from the Facebook posting by the FHS boys team.



It does install quickly

in the Google Playstore
in the Google Playstore
It is also available for iTunes
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/miaa/id987574520?mt=8

Prompts you to select a favorite (FHS was my choice!)

the installed app prompts to select a favorite school
the installed app prompts to select a favorite school
FHS winter sports selected as favorites for now
FHS winter sports selected as favorites for now
You can also get the schedules at HockomockSports.Com. This is the source of most of the sports results that I share.


Franklin Recycling Center operates on new Winter Schedule

There is a new seasonal and holiday schedule for Franklin Recycling Center this week. November 29th was the last Tuesday that the Recycling Center is open. 
Tuesday operations will resume on April 4th, 2017.


  • Christmas Eve hours: 8am - noon
  • New Years Eve hours: 8am - noon




This was shared from the Franklin DPW Facebook posting:



http://www.franklinma.gov/recycling-solid-waste/pages/recyclopedia-what-do-i-do
Recyclopedia: What do I do with?


Have you seen the Recyclopedia?

It answers your questions on what to do with each item: trash or recycle!


  • The recyclopedia can be found online

http://www.franklinma.gov/recycling-solid-waste/pages/recyclopedia-what-do-i-do


“Is the fuel delivery infrastructure as constrained as it may appear or not? Prices may suggest it’s not.”

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"New England has undergone a profound shift in how it produces electricity over the past decade and a half, phasing out coal and oil plants while becoming more reliant on natural gas. 
Following passage of a state energy law this summer, Massachusetts will see wind, solar and imported hydropower become increasingly important sources of energy in the coming years, but many in the energy industry expect natural gas to remain a crucial resource for the foreseeable future. 
“We’re not going to likely see any new coal built in the region,” said Anne George, vice president of external affairs and corporate communications for grid operator ISO New England. “Oil is very limited in this region … There’s unlikely to be any new nuclear in the region. So you’re left with natural gas, and we do see the increasing desire to develop renewables.” 
Back in 2000, just 15 percent of New England’s power was produced by burning natural gas. Last year, natural gas accounted for 49 percent of all electricity generated in the region."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161205/energy-landscape-undergoes-major-changes



About us page for ISO New England
About us page for ISO New England

ISO New England - screen grab of real time chart showing fuel mix (non-renewables)
ISO New England - screen grab of real time chart showing fuel mix (non-renewables)

ISO New England - screen grab of real time chart showing fuel mix (renewables)
ISO New England - screen grab of real time chart showing fuel mix (renewables)


Download these brief explanation documents from ISO New England: