Town Council - 05/01/13

The application for a beer and wine license for the DB Mart on Pond St drew the crowd out to the Town Council meeting on Wednesday. With four councilors missing from this meeting much of the legislation for action was postponed to a new meeting added to the calendar next Wednesday, May 8th. The first license transaction, a change in manager for the Alumni Restaurant was handled quickly and easily.

The application for the DB Mart drew multiple comments from neighbors and questions from the Town Council. This is an interesting situation. A small convenience store in a neighborhood is looking to add the beer and wine license. They will need to go through the Planning Board to address parking and other site plan issues but were attempting to see if they would be able to get the license to make the additional expense of site improvements worth it. The chicken and egg situation is creating most of the problem. had they gone through the Planning Board process, the neighbors concerns would have been addressed at least from the perspective of the bylaws for parking, trash and other site issues.

That the location is currently a bus stop is likely to be reviewed if the license is granted. The schools involved will likely not want to have the students so close to such an establishment. This is the bigger question. When the site issues are address, assuming the applicants follow through with their proposal, should a license be granted for a store in a residential neighborhood so close to a school?

Stay tuned for the continuation of the hearing on the license currently scheduled for next Weds May 8th. Check the Planning Board agenda to see when it will also appear for discussion there. As of Thursday morning, the agenda for the next meeting May 6th has not yet been posted.
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_PlanningAgendas/2013%20Agendas/

For the rest of what occured during the meeing, you can review my full set of notes as reported live here

• Live reporting - Closing

• Live reporting - Rail Trail Committee, Housing Aut...

• Live reporting - Hearings

• Live reporting: Town Council - 5/1/13

MassBudget: Shelter, housing, and homelessness policy in Massachusetts

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. Limiting Access to Shelter, Promoting Housing In order to ensure that every family in Massachusetts has a safe place to sleep and live, our state provides emergency shelters for short-term support and housing subsidies to help low-income families find more permanent homes. Our new report, "Shelter, Housing, and Homelessness Policy in Massachusetts" looks at both parts of the state's multi-year "Housing First" effort, which has limited families' access to shelter while modestly increasing affordable housing resources. Shelters: The need for shelter increased dramatically during the Great Recession, driving up the costs of shelter programs. Since that time, the state has imposed strict new limits on shelter access, forcing some families to live in unhealthy conditions before they can enter shelter. Housing Support: Over the past few years, the state has created--or expanded--a number of programs designed to help low-income and homeless families find housing and pay rent. In some cases, these supports may be too small and too time-limited to keep families housed over the medium and long-term. Looking ahead, both the Governor and the House have proposed budgets for FY 2014 that keep the new limits on shelter eligibility, reduce funding for shelter, and provide only limited new funding for housing. Read SHELTER, HOUSING, AND HOMELESSNESS POLICY IN MASSACHUSETTS 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 15 COURT SQUARE, SUITE 700 BOSTON, MA 02108

Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center | 15 Court Square | Suite 700 | Boston | MA | 02108

Franklin Downtown Partnership: General Meeting - Agenda

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Dean College Campus Center @ 8:30 am

Golder Room

1. Open Meeting 8:30am

1. Adoption of Agenda 8:32am

1. Introductions 8:35am

1. Spring Fundraiser Party-Lisa Piana 8:40am

Pour Richards-Tuesday, May 7th, 5:00-7:30

1. Downtown Parking-Town Administrator- Jeff Nutting, 8:45am
1. Parking discussion and solutions

1. Report from Excutive Director 9:20am
1. Membership, Sponsorship,

1. Strawberry Stroll Report:  Nicole Fortier, Bryan Taberner 9:30am

Strawberry Stroll-June 13th

1. Networking Luncheon-Joel Carrara 9:35am

1. Beautification Day and Cleaning Committee: Chris Bond 9:40am

Planting Day-Saturday, May 18th-9:00am-Eileen Mason

1. New Business 9:45am
1. New businesses coming to downtown

1. Adjourn

Next General FDP meeting-Thursday, September 5th (No July Meeting)

In the News: Tri-County, charter school, kindergarten

Tri-County announces first annual golf tournament

The first annual Tee-Off For Tri-County Golf Tournament will be held on Saturday, May 11 at the New England Country Club, located at 180 Paine Street in Bellingham, MA, beginning at 1 pm with a shotgun start.

State to conduct review of charter school in Franklin

The Department of Education will conduct a coordinated program review of the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School during the week of May 6 through 10.

Franklin offers summer program for incoming kindergartners

Franklin Public Schools Summer Program 2013 is offering Ready Set Kindergarten.

Library: Fun Club - Make Lava Lamps

Fun Club - Make Lava Lamps

Franklin Public Library - 118 Main Street Franklin MA 02038 - 508.520.4940

Live reporting - Closing

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 13-25: Order of Acceptance of Tanglewood Drive and Sierra Drive as Public Ways
2. Resolution 13-26: Order of Acceptance of Mary Jane Road and Anna Road as Public Ways
3. Resolution 13-27: Order of Acceptance of Summer Heights Drive, Autumn Lane and Fall Lane as Public Ways
4. Resolution 13-28: Order of Acceptance of Dutchess Road as a Public Way
5. Resolution 13-30: Town Council Proposal of Charter Amendment to Voters: Treasurer Collector to be changed from Elected to Appointment Position

motion to postpone the action items to May 8th
passed 5-0-4


K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT 
The BJ's intersection is now a four way stop sign

Nutting - I did pull reports on the work orders as requested
Will post the meeting for Wed the 8th

L. OLD BUSINESS
Powderly - looking for clarification on purview of Council versus Planning Board
Nutting - if the applicant is willing to agree to constraints that is okay, the purview of the council is outside of  what the Council can do

M. NEW BUSINESS
none

N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Bissanti - just adopted a dog and the process was good

Mercer - 3-4 weeks away from completing the vertical steel, then pouring the 2rd and 3rd floor decks
underground electrical is underway as well as underground plumbing

the mock up wall uses all the planned materials for the building, so the architect can review the quality of work before they get to the actual building, those are the areas where you could have water issues and they get to confirm the process and materials before it really gets done full scale
a very valuable tool, will finish the outside wall to see what the outside wall will look like

Roy - young lady graduated from FHS in 2009
Brittany MacLeod, applied for 'best job in the world' - "chief funster"
started a social media campaign to apply for the job, one of 25 finalists for this position
search for "send bmac down under" http://sendbmacdownunder.wordpress.com/


O. EXECUTIVE SESSION – Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required
not needed

P. ADJOURN
motion to adjourn, passed 5-0-4

Live reporting - Rail Trail Committee, Housing Authority

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS 
Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee

Marc Kaplan, Ed Barth

need an engineering plan before advertising for fill to use for the earthen ramp over Prospect St

copy of presentation to be added later

Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee - Overview May 2013 from Franklin Matters

Franklin Housing Authority
Lisa Audette, Chris Feeley
Richard Lego of Mass NAHRO  http://www.massnahro.org/

Copy of handout to be added later




There is a waiting list of varying length for applicants for the different categories of space available

approx. 30% of gross income for rent for a disabled senior

Governor's proposal would remove the local housing authorities
and replaced by six regional agencies

local touch and local service created the jewel that is the Franklin Housing Authority
The inventory of housing already exists with local oversight and approval
it should remain that way

the NAHRO proposal starts with the local housing, the local neighborhoods, the local control
one of the key elements of the local housing authority is to have the immediate and local attention

the NAHRO proposal for foster collaboration among the local housing authorities, there are over 50 efforts already in place, this proposal would help to expand that reach

Public housing is not all like Chelsea
House Bill 1094, Senate Bill 612

Roy - thank you, you do a fantastic job. I got a fantastic tour of the housing and got to meet with some of the residents. I did not recognize the service that is being provided in this community

Bissanti - how do they approach you?
Audette - they can call us and we will either mail them an application, or help them fill it out
Franklin residents are prioritized, veterans are prioritized

There are vacancies but they fill pretty quickly
There are more turnovers among the seniors as they age and are unable to take care of themselves.

Live reporting - Hearings

F. HEARINGS - Public Hearing to determine whether it is in the public interest to accept Tanglewood Dr., Sierra Dr., Dutchess Rd., Summer Heights Dr., Autumn Ln., Fall Ln., Mary Jane Rd., and Anna Rd. – 7:10 PM

Continued to May 8th, 7:10 PM

Live reporting: Town Council - 5/1/13

Present: Mercer, Powderly, Vallee, Bissanti, Roy
Absent: Dellorco, Kelly, Pfeffer, Jones


A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
none this evening

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 appoint Tom Mercer as Clerk for this meeting
second, passed 5-0-4

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
none

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
none

E. APPOINTMENTS
Design Review Commission - Claudine Silverman
motion to approve, passed 5-0-4

Historical Commission - Pearce Murphy, Maureen Murphy, Alice Vendetti as associate members
motion to approve, passed 5-0-4

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS 

adjusted the agenda to fill in time before the 7:10 scheduled hearing
Change of Manager /New Officer-Director/Transfer of Stock – M and C Restaurant Group, Inc. dba Alumni Restaurant & Bar
motion to approve, passed 5-0-4


New Wine & Malt Package Store License – Angela Hayat Corporation dba DB Mart 1
motion to approve, passed 5-0-4

Discussion on training requirements
amend motion to only release license upon completion of training by all employees
amendment seconded, and approved 5-0-4

Attorney speaking to their enhancement of the services provided

neighbors speaking against the trash currently found in the area from the store
objections to the lack of parking at the store no need to add alcohol to the operations
school bus stop right at the store, not necessary, already advertising cigarettes, soon to be alcohol

Owners will be adding to the parking lot and working on better trash maintenance for the area

Concern about the size of the lot to be able to meet the needs of the increased traffic and business at the store

The owners are looking to see if they will be able to obtain the license to commit to working on the site plan. They have engineer and draft design. 

Concern about the chicken and egg nature of the proposal
more likely to be selling to the existing customers

Full blown site plan would be addressing these issues via the Planning Board process

"you can't sell drugs at the Kennedy school, why sell alcohol?"

motion to continue the hearing to May 8th at 7:15 PM

Franklin in spring color (part 2)

A couple more photos of the spring colors around Franklin

spring colors

Spruce Pond looks good this season

Spruce Pond

And even the lowly dandelion adds its color

dandelion

Celtic Band RUNA May 11

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Circle of Friends Coffeehouse 262 Chestnut St Franklin, MA  02038 Phone: 508 528 2541 > Map > Official Site > ReverbNation Profile RUNA with special guests Stefilia's Stone Saturday, May 11 $20 RUNA   Philadelphia Celtic band RUNA will be performing at the Circle of Friends Coffeehouse on Saturday, May 11th. The Stefilia's Stone duo will be opening the show. RUNA burst onto the musical scene in 2008 and has been taking audiences by storm ever since. RUNA brings a contemporary and refreshing experience to traditional and more recently composed Celtic material. Members of RUNA have played with Solas, Riverdance, Clannad, Eileen Ivers, and the Guy Mendilow band. Join us for a wonderful evening of music. http://www.runamusic.com/ Stefilia's Stone Together, Carrie Rowan and Adrienne Fawkes are Stefilia's Stone. They create a dynamic display of original music infusing classical piano style with finger picked guitar, smothered with lyrical finesse, served up with a splash of indie, adult contemporary, and modern folk with a pinch of funk. http://www.stefiliasstone.com/   The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse is a non-profit organization affiliated with Franklin's First Universalist Society. Concerts are presented in a smoke free and alcohol free environment at the Society's handicapped accessible Meetinghouse, 262 Chestnut St. in Franklin, and begin at 8:00 PM; doors open at 7:30 PM. Beverages and gourmet desserts will be available. Admission is $20. Please call (508)528-2541 or visit http://www.circlefolk.org/ to purchase tickets or for more information. UPCOMING SHOWS Sat May 11 13, 08:00 PM RUNA, Stefilia's Stone Tickets: $20 Celtic band RUNA returns Sat Sep 28 13, 08:00 PM Chris Smither Tickets: $30 Sat Oct 19 13, 08:00 PM Red Molly, Layah Jane Tickets: $25 Sat Nov 09 13, 08:00 PM Seth Glier, Liz Longley Tickets: $20 Sat Nov 23 13, 08:00 PM The Kennedys, The Boxcar Lilies Tickets: $20   Sat Dec 14 13, 08:00 PM Robbie O'Connell, Aoife Clancy Tickets: $25 A Celtic Christmas > See More / Details

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Physical inquiries can be sent to: 262 Chestnut St, Franklin, MA, 02038, US
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Veterans Needed to Drive Fellow Veterans to Medical Appointments

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts NORFOLK COUNTY RSVP VOLUNTEER PROGRAM Your Invitation to Respond to Your Community!

Norfolk County RSVP Volunteer Program 614 High Street, Dedham, MA  02026 Tel: 781-329-5728   Internet: www.norfolkcounty.org April 30, 2013      If You're a Veteran - Buddy, Can You Spare the Time?  Norfolk County RSVP Volunteer Program is seeking your help, as volunteer Veterans, to drive your fellow Vets to their medical appointments. Your assistance is urgently needed to help them get the care that they need; otherwise, many vets are unable to keep doctors' appointments which are necessary to address a medical issue that they have.  "Remember," said Norfolk County Commissioner Francis O'Brien, U.S. Navy Veteran, "Many of the benefits that we enjoy today as American citizens are a direct result of American men and women who served our country. As a veteran, you know this better than anyone. Please answer the call to a fellow vet who needs you now." For more information, please contact Elizabeth Larkin at Norfolk County RSVP office, telephone: (781) 329-5728, Email: rsvp@norfolkcounty.org         Norfolk County RSVP recruits and places volunteers who are 55+ years of age in service positions throughout Norfolk County, and is sponsored by the Norfolk County Commissioners and is affiliated with the Federal Corporation for National and Community Service.

Forward email Norfolk County | 614 High Street | P.O. Box 310 | Dedham | MA | 02027-0310

Raise a Glass with the Franklin Downtown Partnership

Dear FDP Members:

Please send this e-mail to your friends to help us advertise.

Raise a Glass with the Downtown Partnership at Pour Richard's 

The Franklin Downtown Partnership invites the public to Pour Richard's Wine and Spirits for a wine and beer tasting party on Tuesday, May 7. Come mingle with friends old and new while sampling a variety of beverages and learning about Pour Richard's unique products. Try your luck with a chance to win raffle prizes and hear about the FDP's plans for downtown Franklin. 

The fundraiser will take place at Pour Richard's new location, 14 Grove Street, Franklin, from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 and proceeds will help to support the Partnership's Beautification efforts and downtown events. Dean Bank and Next Step Living will sponsor the event. Raffle prizes include items donated by Jane's Frames and Emma's Quilt Cupboard. 

"Pour Richard's is a unique new business in Franklin and we invite everyone to come experience something different," says Lisa Piana, FDP executive director. "We hope to bring the community together to support our downtown revitalization efforts, and this is a fun way for residents and business owners to learn more about the Partnership's goals." 

Money raised at this tasting evening will be used to support on-going beautification efforts and the downtown events, including the Strawberry Festival on June 13th. The Partnership, the Franklin Garden Club and many volunteers plant more than 1,200 colorful flowers downtown each spring, and hang wreaths and greenery for the holidays. This year's spring Beautification Day will be Saturday, May 18.

 For additional information about the Downtown Partnership visit their website
http://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/

Hockomock Sports: Stephanie Pisani

Hockocmock Sports continues their Senior Spotlight series this time with the focus on Stephanie Pisani

In the News: Franklin voters, state totals

Lynch, Gomez top ticket in Franklin

With approximately 1 percent of 2,901 registered voters casting ballots in Franklin, Steven Lynch topped the ticket for the Democrats and Gabriel Gomez for the Republicans. Totals are as follows: 

Democrats: Lynch: 988 Markey: 907 

Republicans: Gomez: 466 Sullivan: 287 Winslow: 249

Note: the sentence would be better written as "with 2,901 or approximately 1 percent of the registered voters casting ballots in Franklin" The election did draw 2,901 voters. There are over 20,000 registered voters.


Markey, Gomez win in primary election for U.S. Senate in Mass

Tuesday’s primary election for the U.S. Senate was a study in contrasts as Democrats chose a 36-year congressman running on his record and GOP voters backed a political novice promising to be a new breed of Republican.