Tuesday, January 31, 2017

Finance Committee - Jan 31, 2017 (audio)

The audio recording of the Finance Committee meeting held Tuesday, Jan 31, 2017. Franklin TV was not present to broadcast so this is the only recording available.





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



all nine FinCom members were present for the meeting
all nine FinCom members were present for the meeting

Charles River Meadowlands Meeting - Feb 7, 2017

Greetings to All:

Please mark your calendar for Feb 7 – our next meeting. 

We have now posted our 2017 Planning Document at the home page (www.charlesrivermeadowlands.org). 

The document looks at achievable activities for the year ahead including signage, trail mapping, etc. as well as meeting with relevant officials. 

At our meeting (6:30 PM, Dean Rm, First Universalist Soc. 262 Chestnut St, Franklin, MA) we will discuss these goals and we will be looking for help, for example, identifying access points and existing trails and planning meetings with officials. Please try to attend.

​For further information, contact Alan Earls (alan.r.earls@gmail.com, 508 528 6930)​
image from Charles River Meadowlands webpage
image from Charles River Meadowlands webpage



For easy reference, the 2017 Planing document can also be found here



TuNesday - Jamie Barrett sings "Franklin"

Jamie Barrett sings his song "Franklin" in a new video produced by Chris Flynn






The new video for the "Franklin" song is featured on the local Franklin TV station during the "Franklin Almanac" show! 

Starting Monday, January 30, the show will run for two weeks- M-F at 12 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Comcast 8 or Verizon 26!

For more music from Jamie visit his webpage
http://musicwithmrbarrett.blogspot.com/2017/01/franklin.html

Jamie Barrett performing (photo by Jake Jacobson)
Jamie Barrett performing (photo by Jake Jacobson)

"the community support has to be there"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"Local residents were invited Monday evening to meet the candidates vying to be the next leader of the school district. 
More than 20 members of the public came to ask questions of the three finalists for the superintendent position: Blackstone-Millville Assistant Superintendent David Thomson, Chelmsford Assistant Superintendent Linda Hirsch and Weymouth Assistant Superintendent Susan Kustka. 
The candidates were each asked about moving high school start times in light of data showing that teens perform better with a later start. 
Hirsch stressed the importance of researching the change, suggesting a committee of stakeholders examine the issue."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170130/franklin-community-meets-superintendent-candidates


  • The audio from the Forum can be found here

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/01/franklin-schools-superintendent-search.html


  • Franklin MAtters quick notes from the Forum can be found here

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/01/school-superintendent-search-forum.html

Susan Kustka is introduced by Vanessa Bilello
Susan Kustka is introduced by Vanessa Bilello

Friday, Feb 3, 2017 - 6:00 PM - Autoimmunity Event


If you've been struggling with all sorts of "things" and just want to feel better, then come to the Adirondack Club this Friday, Feb. 3rd @ 6:00 for this event on Autoimmunity.  

Yes, it's one of those words.  It's kind of vague and there are so many factors.  But… it is the root of most ailments…. allergies, IBS, achy joints, headaches, acne, flushed cheeks, rashes, infertility, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, digestive issues, stomach acid etc.  

If you, a family member or a friend are trying to work these ailments, come to listen and begin to understand how good a body should feel!  Lisa Vasile, NP and others will be speaking at this event.

Facebook event - Friday, Feb 3, 2017 - 6:00 PM
Facebook event - Friday, Feb 3, 2017 - 6:00 PM
Empower Yourself to reduce and reverse your Autoimmune condition and symptoms!

Learn the 5 key components identified to distract, overwhelm and aggravate the immune system.

When these are removed autoimmunity calms down drastically.

Autoimmunity is a condition of the identifying itself as an enemy and then attacking itself. Traditional medicine offers medications to prolong life or reduce symptoms but doesn't work with patients to remove the root causes for the body turning on itself.


  • 4 of 5 people with Autoimmunity are women
  • 1 of 5 are children
  • The number one risk of having an autoimmune condition is to have an autoimmune condition


FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3RD 6-7:30PM - ADIRONDACK CLUB CHESTNUT ST, FRANKLIN

Tickets for this event are $10.00 either at the door or by contacting hosts

Leah Khouri 774-571-9314 
OR 
Kathleen Ronzio 774-571-0518

School Superintendent Search Forum - quick summary

Here are my brief notes taken during the School Superintendent Search Forum on Monday, Jan 30, 2017.

David Thomson
David Thomson

Susan Kustka
Susan Kustka

Linda Hirsch
Linda Hirsch


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


The audio recording for this meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/01/franklin-schools-superintendent-search.html

Monday, January 30, 2017

Franklin Schools: Superintendent Search Forum - Jan 30, 2017 (audio)

The audio recording of the Superintendent Search Forum conducted by the Franklin (MA) School Committee on Monday, Jan 30, 2017.





Linda Hirsch resume
http://franklinschool.vt-s.net/Pages/FranklinCom_News/0252F367-000F8513.0/L%20Hirsch%20RESUME.pdf

Susan Kustka resume
http://franklinschool.vt-s.net/Pages/FranklinCom_News/0252F367-000F8513.2/SKustka-Resume.pdf

David Thomson resume
http://franklinschool.vt-s.net/Pages/FranklinCom_News/0252F367-000F8513.1/D%20Thomson%20Resume.pdf


My notes from the session can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/01/school-superintendent-search-forum.html

----    ----    ----
This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but I can't do it alone. I can use your help.
How can you help?
  • If you like this, please tell your friends and neighbors.
  • If you don't like this, please let me know.

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements.
Thank you for listening.
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission

I hope you enjoy!
subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters on iTunes
subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters on iTunes

Finance Committee - Agenda - Jan 31, 2017 - 6:15 PM

The Finance Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, January 30, 2017. The agenda is to review and recommend the Capital Budget items for the Police, Fire, DPW, and Enterprise departments/accounts.





The agenda document can also be found on the Town of Franklin webpage
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/agenda_2017-1-31.pdf

construction on the Library is making progress, additional insulation is being added to the exterior
construction on the Library is making progress, additional insulation is being added to the exterior

Conflict of interest of public official; reporting requirement

"Any public official, as defined by section l of chapter two hundred and sixty-eight B, (read a Town Councilor) 
who in the discharge of his official duties (voting on a zoning bylaw amendment, for example) 
would be required knowingly to take an action which would substantially affect such official's financial interests, (any bylaw amendment that would affect the market value of residential or commercial property) 
unless the effect on such an official is no greater than the effect on the general public,  (when the Town Councilor is also a realtor, they would have a 'greater' effect than the general citizen) 
shall file a written description of the required action and the potential conflict of interest with the state ethics commission established by said chapter two hundred and sixty-eight B." (how many such filings have been made the realtors who are Town Councilors?)



Why do we ask such?

The potential councilor conflict of interest for realtors was raised during the Summer St zoning map change discussion. One realtor councilor had recused himself. The other realtor councilor chose not to recuse himself.

Glenn Jones after being duly elected in 2013, resigned from the Town Council in October 2014 as he had just been hired to teach at Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School. As a member of the Town Council, he would be voting on the Franklin portion of the Tri-County budget. He was subsequently voted in again in 2015 and it was known that he was working at Tri-County so while the conflict potential exists, it was at least disclosed and known. He took the high road in 2014 and kudos to him for doing so.



From MA.gov:

268A:6A. Conflict of interest of public official; reporting requirement.
"Section 6A. Any public official, as defined by section l of chapter two hundred and sixty-eight B, who in the discharge of his official duties would be required knowingly to take an action which would substantially affect such official's financial interests, unless the effect on such an official is no greater than the effect on the general public, shall file a written description of the required action and the potential conflict of interest with the state ethics commission established by said chapter two hundred and sixty-eight B."
Copied from the MA page found here
http://www.mass.gov/ethics/laws-and-regulations/conflict-of-interest-law.html


From the archives:

  • Jones resignation will bring special election
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/10/jones-resignation-will-bring-special.html

G.L. c. 268A, the Conflict of Interest Law, as Amended by c. 194, Acts of 2011
G.L. c. 268A, the Conflict of Interest Law, as Amended by c. 194, Acts of 2011

Indoor Triathlon on Sunday, February 26


The Hockomock Area YMCA will be hosting an Indoor Triathlon on Sunday, February 26th at the Bernon Family Branch in Franklin. 

$40 for registration and all proceeds benefit the Reach Out For Youth and Families campaign. 

Swim 15 minutes, Bike 25 minutes and Run 20 minutes. All levels welcome!

To register click the link:
https://hockymca.ejoinme.org/MyPages/IndoorTriathlon2017/tabid/819632/Default.aspx

Indoor Triathlon on Sunday, February 26
Indoor Triathlon on Sunday, February 26

February Music Events aT THE BLACK BOX

THE BLACK BOX, downtown Franklin’s theater, music and event venue, presents a wide-ranging lineup of music entertainment this February. A suburban hub for great music, THE BLACK BOX is located at 15 West Central Street. 

- Opera for Kids will be staged at THE BLACK BOX as part of the Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) 2017 Family Concert Series. Featuring Little Red Riding Hood, the performance will be presented free to the community on Sunday, February 5, at 2:30 p.m. Set to the masterful music of Seymour Barab, Little Red Riding Hood is an operatic adaptation of the children’s fairy tale classic and brings the beloved story to life. Engaging audiences of all ages, the opera is under 45 minutes in length and is in rhymed verse. 

Family Concert Series events feature talented, professional musicians in an entertaining format especially geared to children. Sponsored by Berry Insurance, the concerts provide young audiences with a fun introduction to the world of live music.

country singer and recording artist Ayla Brown
country singer and recording artist Ayla Brown
- THE BLACK BOX New England Artists Series presents country singer and recording artist Ayla Brown at 8 p.m. on Friday, February 17. A Wrentham native, Ayla Brown has performed on the legendary stages of the Grand Ole Opry and Ryman Auditorium. She has opened for numerous country music stars, including Jason Aldean, Charlie Daniels, Sara Evans, Tracy Lawrence, Loretta Lynn, Darius Rucker, Josh Turner and Chris Young. 

A finalist on Season 5 of Fox-TV’s American Idol, Ayla was also a national news correspondent for The Early Show on CBS. Ayla’s most recent album, Let Love In, was released in 2015. Tickets for Ayla’s concert at THE BLACK BOX are $22 (adults) and $20 (students/seniors).

- Violinists Irina Fainkichen and Tara Novak will be joined by bassist Mark Poniatowski, drummer Kenny Hadley and pianist Ben Cook for “World on a String,” another presentation of THE BLACK BOX New England Artists Series . The February 26 performance will begin at 4 p.m. and will feature music from around the world, including Irish, Hungarian, Romanian, American and gypsy tunes. Tea service will be available in the lobby. Born in St. Petersburg, Russia, Irina Fainkichen was concertmaster of San Francisco’s Russian Chamber Orchestra for many years. 

Currently she is a member of the Cape Cod Symphony Orchestra, assistant concertmaster of the Brockton Symphony Orchestra, and co-founder of “Flying Hearts” duo, which performs in a number of musical genres including jazz, Klezmer, and classic American tunes. Tara Novak is a multi-genre acoustic and electric violinist and vocalist, as well as an active composer, arranger and orchestrator. Her newest album, Ciaran and Tara – Live from Boston and Ireland, is a collection of live and studio recordings with Irish Tenor Ciaran Nagle. Tickets are $15 (adults) and $12 (students/seniors), with tea service available for $5.

For tickets or more information, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call (508) 528-3370. Tickets are also available at the door.

February Music Events aT THE BLACK BOX
February Music Events aT THE BLACK BOX

The HMEA also has a fund raising event on Fri, Feb 24 featuring "Beatles for Sale"  http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/12/beatles-for-sale-live-at-black-box-feb.html

"even if we could afford it, it's the wrong priority"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"As Gov. Charlie Baker vetoed a controversial pay-raise bill Friday, several local lawmakers - on both sides of the argument - defended their votes. 
The $18 million package that would bump pay for legislative leaders, judges and constitutional officers swiftly passed through the House and Senate this week with near unilateral support of Democrats, and complete opposition by Republicans. 
Baker called the pay hikes "irresponsible" and rejected the bill. Republicans from MetroWest and the Milford area agreed with Baker's veto."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170128/legsilators-defend-criticize-pay-raise-bill

Sunday, January 29, 2017

FHS wrestling takes Hockomock Championship; boys hockey tops Oliver Ames



Hockey = Oliver Ames, 1 @ Franklin, 4 – Final
"Former Franklin goalie Sean Bertoni (Class of 2002) made his first return to his alma mater as a head coach on Saturday night, leading Oliver Ames into Pirelli Veterans Arena with a chance to take control of the Kelley-Rex title race. 
But it was current Panthers netminder Cam Benham that stole the headlines and the two points with a 40-save performance that helped Franklin claim a 4-1 victory and control of its own destiny as it seeks to clinch a sixth straight league championship. 
“That’s the goaltender that we need every night,” said Franklin coach Chris Spillane. “We’re looking forward to Cam getting on a roll. He had a shutout the other night, played unbelievable for us tonight, made some really big saves, and kept us in the game.”
Continue reading the hockey game recap by Josh Perry online
https://hockomocksports.com/benham-saves-the-day-for-franklin-hockey-against-oliver-ames/


Wrestling = Hockomock League Championships (@ Oliver Ames)
"Franklin had three individual champions, two second place finishes and four more grapplers finish third or fourth to win the team title at the Hockomock League Wrestling Championships at Oliver Ames on Saturday. 
The Panthers registered 218.5 points, edging out North Attleboro (212.5 points) and Foxboro (200.5 points). 
Franklin’s Ian Bakalars won the 113 title with a 6-2 decision, Mike Racca notched a first round pin to win the 120 title and Dylan Maclean earned the 145 title with a pin. Jordan Carlucci (106) and Brian Perry (285) had second place finishes, Evan Hernandez (182) and Kyler Colella (195) each came in third and TJ Remillard (126) and Brian Farrell (132) both placed fourth."

Continue reading the wrestling recap by Ryan Lanigan online
https://hockomocksports.com/hockomock-wrestling-championships-2017/

Additional photos from the wrestling Championships by HockomockSports
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/20162017/Winter-201617/Hockomock-League-Wrestling/


The team came in first winning the tournament and becoming Hockomock Champions!!! #FHSWrestle #cvvtrszn
The team came in first winning the tournament and becoming Hockomock Champions!!! #FHSWrestle #cvvtrszn


https://hockomocksports.com/saturdays-schedule-scoreboard-012817/


Indoor Track results from the State Coaches Meet
http://www.mstca.org/Winter_Season/Winter%202017/PerfList-LargeSchools.htm

Via the Twitterverse






















Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - February 1, 2017


The published agenda and documents for the Franklin Town COuncil meeting scheduled for Wednesday, February 1, 2017

(Note where there are active links in the agenda item, it will take you to the associated document)

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
January 18, 2017
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29. This meeting may also be recorded by others.
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS(Swearing in of unnamed police officers)
D. 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 comments 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.
E. APPOINTMENTS
F. HEARINGS
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - 7:10 PM
JOE'S AMERICAN BAR and; GRILL - CHANGE OF MANAGER
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS(To be provided during the meeting)
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. RESOLUTION 17-04: ACCEPTANCE OF GRANT OF UTILITY (DRAINAGE) EASEMENTS (MAJORITY VOTE (5))
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
2. RESOLUTION 17-05: REQUEST FOR SPECIAL LEGISLATION, RE: AUTHORIZATION FOR STATE TO CONVEY ARTICLE 97 LAND TO TOWN (MAJORITY VOTE (5))
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
3. ZONING BYLAW AMENDMENT 17-779: CHANGES TO CHAPTER 185 SECTION 3 DEFINITIONS - 1ST READING ( MOTION TO MOVE ZONING BYLAW AMENDMENT 17-779 TO A 2ND READING - MAJORITY VOTE)
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
4. ZONING BYLAW AMENDMENT 17-780: CHANGES TO CHAPTER 185 SECTION 4 DISTRICTS ENUMERATED - 1ST READING (mOTION FOR MOVE ZONING BYLAW AMENDMENT 17-780 TO A 2ND READING - MAJORITY VOTE)
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
5. ZONING BYLAW AMENDMENT 17-781: CHANGES TO CHAPTER 185 SECTION 5 ZONING MAP - 1ST READING (MOTION TO MOVE ZONING BYLAW AMENDMENT 17-781 TO A 2ND READING - MAJORITY VOTE)
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
6. ZONING BYLAW AMENDMENT 17-782: CHANGES TO CHAPTER 185 SECTION 7 COMPLIANCE REQUIRED - 1ST READING (MOTION TO MOVE ZONING BYLAW AMENDMENT 17-782 TO A 2ND READING - MAJORITY VOTE)
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
7. ZONING BYLAW AMENDMENT 17-783: AMENDMENT TO CHAPTER 185 SECTION 49 MARIJUANA USE OVERLAY DISTRICT - 1ST READING (MOTION TO MOVE ZONING BYLAW AMENDMENT 17-782 TO A 2ND READING - MAJORITY VOTE)
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
8. BYLAW AMENDMENT 17-784: REPEAL SIGN RESTRICTIONS BYLAW - 2ND READING ( MOTION TO MOVE BYLAW AMENDMENT 17-784 - MAJORITY ROLL CALL VOTE (5))
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
9. BYLAW AMENDMENT 170785: REPEAL OF SIDEWALK SNOW AND ICE REMOVAL BYLAW - 2ND READING (MOTION TO MOVE BYLAW AMENDMENT 170785 - MAJORITY ROLL CALL VOTE (5))
K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT(To be provided during the meeting)
L. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS(To be provided during the meeting)
M. COUNCIL COMMENTS(To be provided during the meeting)
N. EXECUTIVE SESSION(If necessary but not indicated for this meeting)
O. ADJOURN

Joe's American Bar and Grill
Joe's American Bar and Grill


You can find the interactive version on the Town of Franklin webpage

or the PDF version on the Town of Franklin webpage


The change of manager at Joe's American Bar and Grill is likely to cause some conversation as under the previous manager there was an underage sale violation as part of the annual police sting operation.

Franklin Police Department is responding to the opioid epidemic

"The Franklin Police Department is responding to the opioid epidemic in multiple ways. Franklin Police officers are dispatched to reported overdoes, and carry with them the opioid overdosing reversal drug naloxone (Narcan). In addition to this, they also carry with them defibrillators and other medical equipment. The Franklin Police Department believes in openness, transparency, and honestly about the problems our community faces. We will be providing information about the current state of the problem we are responding to, and also continually working to educate, and help those who suffer with addiction. This page will provide data on the number of responses the Franklin Police has made to reported overdoses, and the general locations where we have responded. No specific information about individuals will be provided.

As this problem has grown we have gained more tools to help those who have been affected. Support groups such as the S.A.F.E. Coalition have formed, and also new legislation has been passed. In 2016 Governor Baker signed into law an expansion of the Protective Custody Law, which now allows police officers to require a victim of an overdoes to be seen by medical personnel.

We hope that you will find this information useful, and will support our efforts in trying to help those who suffer under the weight of addiction, and those who care for and about them. Chief Lynch recently appeared on the S.A.F.E. Coalitions's "Confronting Our Crisis" television program. That program can be viewed here."



A new page has been added to the Town of Franklin Police Department page to help share info on the effect of this opioid epidemic in Franklin.
http://www.franklinma.gov/police-department/pages/opioid-tracking


the impact of this map is better when viewed on the Police Dept webpage
the impact of this map is better when viewed on the Police Dept webpage

Franklin Senior Center: Open House - February 26, 2017

The Franklin Senior Center Open House is scheduled for February 26, 2017. Yes, this open house is to celebrate the renovations to the second floor and the improvements accomplished inside and outside (more parking) as part of the project.

Senior Center Open House-  February 26, 2017 11:00 Am to 2:00 PM
Senior Center Open House-  February 26, 2017 11:00 Am to 2:00 PM


The original Open House was held on Nov 11, 2011. Photos from the event can be found in the archives here
https://www.flickr.com/photos/steve_sherlock/sets/72157612392922276/

Senior Center: Conference room in back
conference room from the Open House in Nov 2011


expanded parking to increase capacity by 25 vehicles at the Senior Center
expanded parking to increase capacity by 25 vehicles at the Senior Center

Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance is the 2017 One Book, One Community read for Franklin, MA

The goal of the Franklin Public Library's One Book, One Community program is to help build a better sense of fellowship through a shared reading experience.

The results are in!

With 42% of the vote, Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance is our 2017 One Book, One Community read.


Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance
Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance

Background info links


The Amazon link for the book can be found here
https://www.amazon.com/Hillbilly-Elegy-Memoir-Family-Culture/dp/0062300547

The authors Twitter page  https://twitter.com/JDVance1

The authors website can be found here
https://www.harpercollins.com/cr-123194/j-d-vance

The wikipedia page for the book
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hillbilly_Elegy

http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2017/01/one-book-one-community-2017-title.html
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2017/01/one-book-one-community-2017-title.html
Some of this info was shared from the Town of Franklin page and the Franklin Library page