Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda & Documents for Dec 14, 2022 7:00 PM

FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL

Agenda & Meeting Packet

December 14, 2022 - 7:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building, 2nd floor, Council Chambers 355 East Central Street

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS

a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three 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.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. November 2, 2022

b. November 16, 2022 

 

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS - None Scheduled.

5. APPOINTMENTS

a. Mark LePage - Conservation Commission

b. Alison Rheaume - Disability Commission

c. Francesca Ricci - Disability Commission

d. Lloyd (Gus) Brown - Sealer of Weights and Measures

6. HEARINGS - 7:00 pm - None Scheduled.

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

a. 2023 Annual Alcohol License Renewals - See attached 2023 Town of Franklin Alcohol Licenses Renewals   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/7a_licenses.pdf

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Franklin Library Association Presentation of Gift - Scott Nolan, President, FLA

b. Snow Removal Presentation: Robert “Brutus” Cantoreggi, Director of Public Works  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8b._snow_presentation.pdf

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 22-86: Gift Acceptance - Franklin Public Library ($70,000)

(Motion to Approve Resolution 22-86 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9a._gift_acceptance_fla.pdf

b. Resolution 22-87: Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Department ($565)

(Motion to Approve Resolution 22-87 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9b._gift.pdf

c. Bylaw Amendment 22-888: Chapter 170, Vehicles And Traffic, Section 170-22, Subsection A, Location of Stop Signs - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 22-888 to a second reading - Majority Roll Call Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9c._22-888_stop_signs.pdf

d. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 22-889: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at  Chapter 185, Attachment 7. Part VI, Use Regulations Schedule: Residential Uses

(Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 22-889 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9d_1.pdf

e. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 22-890: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at  Chapter 185, Section 51.  (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 22-890 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9e._22-890.pdf

f. Resolution 22-88: Local Acceptance of MGL Ch40, Section 5B, Fourth Paragraph

(Motion to Approve Resolution 22-88 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9f._22-88.pdf

g. Resolution 22-89: Creation of the Massachusetts Statewide Opioid Settlement Stabilization Fund, as Authorized b GL Chapter 40, Section 5B (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-89 - Two-Thirds Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9g._1_-_resolution_22-89_-_town_council_creation_of_the_opiod_settlement_stabilization_fund.pdf

h. Resolution 22-90: Authorization of and Appropriation for Purchase of Three Parcels of Unimproved Land (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-90 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9h.pdf

i. Resolution 22-91: Authorization for Town Administrator to Submit American Rescue Plan Act Applications to Norfolk County (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-91 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/91._22-91.pdf

j. Resolution 22-92: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44, §53F3/4 (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-92 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9j._22-92.pdf

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Capital Budget Subcommittee

b. Economic Development Subcommittee

c. Budget Subcommittee

d. GATRA Advisory Board

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION

a. Exception #2: Contract negotiations with non-union personnel, namely: Town Administrator

b. Exception #3: Strategy with respect to collective bargaining: Police Patrol, Police Sergeants and Fire Department unions

15. RETURN TO OPEN SESSION

a. Vote on approving Administrator contract, subject to Executive Session outcome

i. Legislation for action:

1. Resolution 22-93: Approval of Town Administrator’s Contract (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-93 Majority Vote)

b. Resolution 22-94: Salary Schedule: Full-Time Elected Official - Town Clerk (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-94 - Majority Roll Call Vote)

16. ADJOURN

Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

The full agenda doc also contains remote participation info ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/12-14-22_town_council_agenda.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda & Documents for Dec 14, 2022 7:00 PM

Town Council - recap of Feb 17, 2021 Meeting

Quick Recap:

• Special alcohol license approved for Dacey's Market. Not part of the Town pool of such licenses.
• Community Preservation Committee appointments approved. 30 candidates for the four at large residents spots. Thanks to all for stepping up. A good team to go forward
• Complete Streets approach presented to Council, will return for a formal approval as a 'policy' not a bylaw. Will also provide some bonus points for applications to State for grants for work on roads, sidewalks and the like
• Annual review of Town Administrator presented and report approved by 8-1 vote (Bissanti no). Will come to Council again for formal approval and there will also be a 'goals setting session' and discussion on how to better improve the overall review process
• Fire Dept found a good deal on two pumper trucks saving a bunch of money, purchase authorized. They will arrive later this year, replace two front line units, which will then move to reserve and the two current reserve units (2000 and 2007 vintage) will be marked surplus and sold.
• Storm water bylaw articles I, II, and III returned for their second reading. Elongated and misplaced discussion again ensued as folks were getting wrapped around these are setting up for the possible utility fee coming up later this year. They were all passed by 8-1 vote (Bissanti no on all)
• Sad to hear that 38 Franklinites have lost their lives during this COVID-19 pandemic. 85% of them were over 75 years old

Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one album    https://photos.app.goo.gl/D5ZBXuVmqXWBKwv68

------- 

As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.
 
The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #tc0217
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23tc0217&src=typeahead_click 

• Are you getting ready for the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting? Coming up at 7 PM. Agenda doc and connection info here https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/2-17-21_town_council_agenda_0_0.pdf  #tc0217
• Real time reporting underway for the Town Council meeting #tc0217
• #tc0217 approval of minutes for Jan 20 , passes via roll call 9-0 

Public Hearing - Dacey's Market

• Moving to public hearing on MADD Deli/ Dacey's Market 
• Special home rule legislation passed by state house. This is unique to the site, can't be moved or reused without special legislation, Bissanti recuses
• #tc0217 "feels good to be help a neighborhood business" hearing closes via roll call 8-0-1 (8 yes, 1 recused). License transaction, motion to approve. Passes via roll call same vote as above 8-0-1

Community Preservation Committee appointments

• Community preservation Committee nominations, 30 at large applied for 4  seats, selected 4 which we see tonight #tc0217 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/cpc_updated_memo.pdf 
• Nice diverse group, have work to do! 4 chosen deliberate to have Community knowledge ... All have shown support/interest
• FYI approx 26 via Zoom, another 7 on live stream, and some unknown # via Comcast/Verizon #tc0217 all also committed to approach it is this an open mind, management of open space, willing to build a program from scratch for the community and preservation/development efforts
• #tc0217 TA Jamie Hellen thanks the 5 Committees for their public discussion and selection. Nominated individuals contained in the doc linked here https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/cpc_updated_memo.pdf
• These appointments would come back in June for the annual renewal on the 1 or 2 year appointment to enable the staggering terms per the bylaw #tc0217 something for everyone, many new folks just starting to get involved, affordable housing a trend item
• #tc0217 why only released on Tuesday? Just timing with holiday and 30 folks to contact. Many thanks for the number of volunteers to come forward. CPC in Hyde Park has a project on the Dedham line, good story, like to see something like that hear.
• #tc0217 there will be nine individual votes, one per nominee, all will be via roll call (assuming the votes are the same, I'll be concise) if there is a difference it will be noted; first 9-0 for Livingstone, second 9-0 Malcolm, third 9-0 Feeley, fourth 9-0 Halligan …
• #tc0217 fifth 9-0 Simarian, sixth 9-0 Giardino, seventh 9-0 Oxford, eighth 9-0 McNeill, ninth 9-0 Doyle. 
• That completes the community preservation Committee approvals! 
• A good team to take on some challenges. Thank you!

2 minute recess 

• Two minutes recess #tc0217
• #tc0217 resuming meeting.

Complete Streets presentation

• Presentation on Complete Streets https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/8a._complete_streets_web.pdf …. Five straight appearances for DPW Director Brutus Cantoreggi, engineer Mike Maglio also presenting #tc0217
• #tc0217  doesn't have to be everything done on the right side of the slide, major piece is the approach of transportation as a whole not just cars first
• #tc0217 signage and markings are an easy less expensive approach to integrate. State grant applications can be helped with this designation, also a housing Community. An opportunity loss rather than a money loss. Was part of Master Plan (but not prioritized)
• Part of overall planning for downtown development, ease of access, sidewalks, etc. #tc0217 
• Sidewalk on Beaver St from RT 140 to the parks already funded, had this been available it could have applied. Washington St survey of the sidewalk planning is being done
• #tc0217 battle with impervious coverage and we are talking about adding sidewalks. It is connectivity where there are none, not like taking or reducing them in the cul-de-sac. 
• Where are the gaps? Input from Planning dept, and Police where accidents occur.
• General consensus thumbs up to develop a policy to bring back to Council in April for one vote (not a bylaw) #tc0217 

Town Administrator review

• Annual review of Town Administrator  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/9a._ta_eval_docs.pdf asking council for approval to go to review file.
• #tc0217 subcommittee section usually is empty, this time it contains the TA evaluation report https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/9a._ta_eval_docs.pdf 
• There will be a goal session in future to include the evaluation process adjustments. Looking for TC to accept report as presented.
• #tc0217 "it is easy to be critical of everybody but yourself" he works hard, settling into role, good for the community. Need to figure out a better eval process for future.
• #tc0217 Mercer has worked closely with Jamie over the past 2 years, talking regularly, his admin team has worked well together, look at how much we have done during this challenge! The evaluation is not the TA, it is the entire staff, it is true, you are going to find this …
• Anywhere else. #tc0217 an incredible team here with a service level like no other. 
• Motion and second to accept the report, via roll call 8-1 (Bissanti no)

Legislation for Action

• Moving to legislation for action. #tc0217  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10a._lib_gift_web.pdf 
• Gift to the library, motion to approve, seconded, passes 9-0 via roll call
• Appropriation for fire trucks #tc0217  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10b._fire_borrowing_web.pdf 
• Using $300k from funds set aside, and financing $800k. Motion and second; Chief McLaughlin speaking for, good timing for purchase. Order price for 2019 but completing now, good opportunity
• Engine 4 since 2000 has served us well, has been in reserve. Local vendor. Corroded frame rail to replace $105k for engine 3 from 2007. Could save $ now, avoid maintenance in next several years. #tc0217 Engine 1 would go into reserve at King St Station. Stars aligned
• #tc0217 could save some free cash for a few years instead of putting aside the fire truck fund. A choice, let's continue to put it aside per Kelly. "It is a great deal" these are stock trucks, all the hose and stuff from the existing trucks will go to these.
• Came up during a regular discussion with vendors and found these as an opportunity via one of the vendors. Cab space, length of the truck, all considerations for us and our environment, given space on the streets how used etc. 30' long #tc0217 disposition of surplus …
• State process defined for surplus, funds do come back to general funds. #tc0217 motion and second, vote passes 9-0 via roll call. Chief thanks council for support on behalf of the department.
• Stop sign listing updated #tc0217 Chief Lynch here to answer questions on the proposed amended street listing https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10c._stop_signs_web_0.pdf 
• Kelly advocates for stop sign at Main St, Eamons St. Missing one there is a problem
• If someone calls for a stop sign, where does the process start? It can start at Police,  DPW will coordinate with Police and engineering before placement. #tc0217 motion, second to move to second reading passes via roll call 9-0

Stormwater extended discussion

• Storm water bylaw article I, https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10d._stormwater_art_1_web.pdf for second reading #tc0217 (Kelly ranted on this the first time around misunderstanding these as financial) mostly verbiage changes per compliance with MS4 permit - next 3 resolutions
• #tc0217 original bylaws were passed approx 15 years ago, simple housekeeping to the memo verbiage per Town Attny Cerel. Nothing additional permitting, just cleaning up what is already been done. Bissanti doesn't understand the changes and fears it is slipping in the storm …
• ... Water utility fee (which is what he is against). Recall Cerel's statement that these were passed 15 years ago. #tc0217 long discussion (catch recording for details)
• Finally get to vote on the change, article I, passes via roll call 8-1 (Bissanti no) #tc0217 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10d._stormwater_art_1_web.pdf 
• Vote on article II, 8-1 (Bissanti no, "doesn't want to be any part of this")  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10e._stormh2o_art_2_web.pdf vote on Article III same  8-1 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10f._storm_h20_web_art_3.pdf 

Town Administrator report through to closing

• #tc0217 grants applied for Museum, COVID update, cases down, status yellow again, capacity increases for business, 38 have died in Franklin from COVID-19. 85% of the deaths were over 75. 65+ can start on 2/18 for appts for vaccine. Teachers next after 65+
• Our local clinic is not likely to be active as we are so close to Gillette. #tc0217 
• Pre-budget what have we given for raises town and school
• Reminder Senior Center coffee hour via Microsoft Teams in the morning (2/18).
• How is the snow budget doing? About $900K to date, about $200K per storm so we'll be over after this weekend. Not just snow, the salting events. #tc0217 Chair Mercer apologizes for late hour, motion to adjourn, passes 9-0
• That's all for tonight, catch you next time!

 

For all the documents released for this meeting

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/february-17-town-council-agenda

Town Council - recap of Feb 17, 2021 Meeting

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Feb 17, 2021

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29.  This meeting may be recorded by others.

2. 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.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

January 20, 2021

4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

None Scheduled

5. APPOINTMENTS

Community Preservation Committee (CPC) Nominee Ratification

6. HEARINGS - 7:10 PM

MADD Deli, Inc. d/b/a Dacey’s Market and Deli: As Provided in Chapter 382 of Legislative Acts of 2020, An Act Authorizing The City Known As The Town Of Franklin To Grant An Additional Wine And Malt Beverages Not To Be Drunk On The Premises Alcoholic Beverages License, located at 353 Lincoln Street, Franklin, MA 02038   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/6a._madd_deli_license.pdf

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

MADD Deli, Inc. d/b/a Dacey’s Market: New Wine and Malt Retail Package Store License, As Provided in Chapter 382 of Legislative Acts of 2020

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS

Complete Streets Program: Mike Maglio, Town Engineer

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/8a._complete_streets_web.pdf

9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Capital Budget Subcommittee

b. Budget Subcommittee

c. Economic Development Subcommittee

d. Town Administrator Evaluation Ad Hoc Subcommittee

10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

Resolution 21-10: Gift Acceptance, Franklin Public Library - $4,000 (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-10 - Majority Roll Call Vote)

10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

Resolution 21-11: Appropriating Funds by Borrowing and Transfer to Pay Costs of Purchasing Fire Apparatus (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-10 - Majority Roll Call Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10b._fire_borrowing_web.pdf

10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

Bylaw Amendment 21-870: Chapter 170, Vehicles And Traffic, Section 170-22, Subsection A, Location of Stop Signs - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 21-870 to a second reading - Majority Roll Call Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10c._stop_signs_web.pdf

10d. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

Bylaw Amendment 21-865: Chapter 153, Stormwater Management Article I, General Provisions - Second Reading (Motion to Adopt Bylaw Amendment 21-865 - Majority Roll Call Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10d._stormwater_art_1_web.pdf

10e. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

Bylaw Amendment 21-866: Chapter 153, Stormwater Management Article II, Soil Erosion and Sediment Control - Second Reading (Motion to Adopt Bylaw Amendment 21-866 - Majority Roll Call Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10e._stormh2o_art_2_web.pdf

10f. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

Bylaw Amendment 21-867: Chapter 153, Stormwater Management Article III, Post Construction Stormwater Management - Second Reading (Motion to Adopt Bylaw Amendment 21-867 - Majority Roll Call Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10f._storm_h20_web_art_3.pdf

11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT

COVID-19 Update

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION

None Scheduled 

ADJOURN

Note: 

Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

For all the documents released for this meeting

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/february-17-town-council-agenda

Franklin, MA:  Town Council - Agenda - Feb 17, 2021

In the News: Taste of MetroWest scheduled; red light camera ticketing proposed

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

"The 10th annual Taste of MetroWest is set for March 17, offering attendees a culinary “taste” of the region’s many restaurants, breweries and unique cuisines.

Samples of foods and beverages from throughout MetroWest will be available to enjoy during the event, said Jim Giammarinaro, president and CEO of the MetroWest Chamber of Commerce.

“It’s an opportunity for people to get together and try out foods and drinks from across the community,” he told the Daily News in a recent phone interview.

Guests can expect to find offerings from an array of local restaurants and breweries, such as the Coach Grille in Wayland, Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza in Natick, and Jack’s Abby in Framingham."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200219/prime-your-palates-taste-of-metrowest-set-for-march-17

For more info and to purchase tickets:  http://www.metrowest.org/taste-of-metrowest

10th annual Taste of MetroWest

"Drivers might think twice about gunning it through an intersection when the light has just turned red if a bill the Massachusetts Senate plans to debate next week becomes law.

Under a bill (S 2553) scheduled for a vote next Thursday when the Senate meets in its next formal session, cities and towns across Massachusetts could decide to install automated road safety camera systems to identify and then photograph vehicles that commit any number of traffic law violations at intersections.

The camera systems could look for vehicles that fail to stop at a red light, cars traveling at least five miles an hour above the posted speed limit, vehicles making a right turn at a red light where prohibited, and cars blocking an intersection or bus lane. Drivers who put the pedal down when they see a yellow light, however, would be are safe -- the bill declares that it would not be a violation “if any part of the vehicle was over the stop line when the light was yellow.”

If caught by a camera, the vehicle owner could be hit with a fine of up to $25 under the bill, which was originally filed by Sen. William Brownsberger and redrafted by the Ways and Means Committee."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200220/red-light-cameras-could-get-green-light-from-senate/1

The text of the proposed legislation can be found
https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/S2553

camera systems could look for vehicles that fail to stop at a red light

Reminder: set up your A+ schools account

The Stop & Shop A+ rewards start accumulating with your October purchases. You can link your Stop & Shop rewards card to one or more Franklin schools as of Sep 1.


Related posts
Over $9,000 in total awards to Franklin schools for 2012-2013 school year
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/07/stop-shop-bonusbucks-rewards-franklin.html

How to set up your card for a school or two
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/stop-shop-update.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/09/stop-shop-can-help-your-franklin-school.html

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/

Stop & Shop A+ update

The timeline sent to me that I shared earlier this week was a little misleading. The SCHOOLS can register as of August 1. We can register as of September 1.

Stop & Shop screenshot grabbed as of 8/2/13

For the post earlier this week, check here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/07/stop-shop-bonusbucks-rewards-franklin.html

Stop & Shop A+ BonusBucks rewards Franklin schools

Last year about at this time, I reported on the Stop & Shop A+ program and how much money had been earned by Franklin residents for their schools. I went to the A+ website to find the totals for the school year that just completed and the totals had already been removed in preparation for the new year. I opened a request for the information and received the detail via email.

Annie Sullivan and Oak St are two schools that lead the pack in raising money via this channel.

All the schools need to be re-registered for the coming school year. Anyone shopping at Stop & Shop will also need to sign up again to chose which schools their purchases will contribute for. In prior years, you were able to enroll for multiple schools. I expect it will be the same process for this year.

Good Afternoon,

                With the program gearing up for another year, the website has currently removed last year's info.  Starting August 1, schools will be able to go online to re-register for the upcoming year.  Below are the Franklin, MA area schools with their totals.

$740.90	JOHN F KENNEDY SCHOOL	551 POND STREET	FRANKLIN	MA	02038
$536.48	GERALD M PARMENTER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL	235 WACHUSETT STREET	FRANKLIN	MA	02038
$427.79	HELLEN KELLER ELEMENTARY	500 LINCOLN STREET	FRANKLIN	MA	02038
$570.69	HORACE MANN MIDDLE SCHOOL	224 OAK STREET	FRANKLIN	MA	02038
$444.13	DAVIS THAYER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL	137 WEST CENTRAL STREET	FRANKLIN	MA	02038
$218.58	REMINGTON MIDDLE SCHOOL	628 WASHINGTON STREET	FRANKLIN	MA	02038
$564.64	TRI-COUNTY REG VOCATIONAL-TECHNICAL HS	147 POND ST	FRANKLIN	MA	02038-3810
$839.11	FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL	218 OAK STREET	FRANKLIN	MA	02038
$818.93	JEFFERSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL	628 WASHINGTON STREET	FRANKLIN	MA	02038
$1,097.52	OAK STREET ELEMENTARY SCHOOL	224 OAK STREET	FRANKLIN	MA	02038
$1,925.16	ANNIE SULLIVAN MIDDLE SCHOOL	500 LINCOLN STREET	FRANKLIN	MA	02038
$882.87	Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter School	201 Main Street	Franklin	MA	02038

Thank you!

The A+ School Rewards Team

If you require further assistance, please contact us at 1-877-275-2758.  Have a Wonderful Day!!

After August September 1, you can register your Stop & Shop card for this program and one or more of the Franklin schools. You can use my step by step instructions http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/09/stop-shop-can-help-your-franklin-school.html

New Stop Signs on Southgate

Stop Signs, High Springs, originally uploaded by adobemac.

Michael Morton reports on new stops signs that have been added to Southgate creating 4-way stops where for the previous 20 years there was no stop required.

Yes, the signs are new. Bright red and white. But folks are blowing right by them.

It is not that they are crazy. The human body learns well. No signs were there for 20 years. The drivers are into their zone, their mind spinning along on the errands they are making; whether going shopping, or picking up the little one, or dropping off the middle one. They have been trained to travel without the stop signs. The mind is not aware of the change because it is a small change.

When unlearning is required, it takes time. It will take a big sign, or something significant to catch their attention to start making the change.

The police can position a cruiser to attract attention. Or the neighborhood can get together and in groups create awareness with balloons, costumes, anything to break the normal attention span of the drivers on Southgate.

Hopefully, it will not be a serious accident!