Thursday, April 3, 2014

FHS Lacrosse scores


In Hockomock League lacrosse action on Weds, for the boys:
FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers
Franklin, 13 @ Oliver Ames, 2 - Final - Jack Vail picked up six points in the win via two goals and four assists and Austin Kent added four goals for the Panthers.

In Hockomock League lacrosse action on Weds, for the girls:
Oliver Ames, 3 @ Franklin, 17 - Final - Emily Jeffries scored five goals, Marta Vesprille had two goals and six draw controls and Julia Bireley had a goal and three draw controls.

The full slate of results across the Hockomock League can be found here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/1/post/2014/04/hockomock-schedule-scoreboard-040214.html


Wednesday, April 2, 2014

live reporting - closing

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT 
Apr 30, May 1 - budget hearing

send best wishes to Stella


L. OLD BUSINESS 
none

M. NEW BUSINESS 
create new committee to explore a hospital opening an emergency care center
recommend assigning the folks to explore

when the bond bill passes, we'll be out to talk to you
Jeff met with Transportation Committee today, when he has info, let me know


N. COUNCIL COMMENTS 
Bissanti - I am very proud of the townspeople for their out pouring for their opinions
we just don't represent 40-50 people in the room, I think we did the right thing tonight

Kelly - it was not my intention to be harsh with my comments
I apologize, if someone took it that way

Padula - thanks for your input, we need more


O. EXECUTIVE SESSION 
– Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required 

P. ADJOURN 
motion to adjourn, 9-0 via roll call


The documents released with this agenda can be found here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2014/04022014.pdf

Live reporting - Legislation for action

return from 5 minute break

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 14-05: Appropriation: Fire Detail Account – Continue until May
moved to second meeting in May; 7-0 vote by roll, (Padula, Feldman out of room at the time)


2. Resolution 14-15: Request for Special Legislation, Re: Local Sales Tax on Sale of Medical Marijuana
motion to approve, seconded, vote 9-0 via roll call


3. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 14-728R: Changes to Chapter 185 – 5, Zoning Map: Industrial to Single Family III(Washington St.)-Referral to Planning Board
motion to waive reading, seconded, vote 9-0 via roll call
motion to amend, seconded, vote 9-0 via roll call
motion to refer to Planning Board, seconded, vote 9-0 via roll call


4. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 14-732: Changes to Chapter 185-21, Parking, Loading, and Driveway Requirements – Referral to Planning Board
motion to waive reading, seconded, vote 9-0 via roll call
motion to refer to Planning Board, seconded, vote 9-0 via roll call

changing sight distance from a set distance to a variation due to speed and other local factors
shifted also from Zoning Board to Planning Board



Live reporting - 150 Emmons St

Motion to approve minutes for the meeting
– February 12, 2014 Regular and Executive Session- To be released

motion seconded, passed via roll call. 9-0


H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
150 Emmons Street

Nutting - still waiting on pre-construction hearing for the downtown project, maybe May now rather than sooner. We did have a study a year ago on the condition of the building, basically in excess of $2M for renovations on the existing site. Would be very expensive to save the building.

Padula - after talking with a lot of folks, there is no decision tonight, I have heard a number of arguments. This is going to stand on its own merits. We do need more discussion to determine what we want there. There are a lot of factors in play. I have not made up my mind on anything. To slow this down is not a valid reason.

Lisa Piana - Executive Director for the Downtown Partnership
recently letter sent asking for time to develop additional recommendations/ideas
there is no downside to inviting the community in the process
the March 4th workshop was a great stop, impression was this was the first of many meetings
there should be no rush to sell the property, the land will increase in value as the work is being done
there are 5 key questions to be answered

  1. what are the specific goals for the property?
  2. what is the plan for where businesses will park during the project?
  3. how will loosing the 50 parking spaces affect the downtown businesses?
  4. what will the new traffic patterns be after the traffic is re-routed with the new 2-way?
  5. what state funding is available if the Council considers green space or cultural center?

We are fortunate to have this property and bring something special to the gateway to Franklin
Calls and emails as a result of the drive through
allow us time to develop these ideas and research funding options
take the time to answer the five questions, the community will be more comfortable with the future

I appreciate your time tonight and meeting with us as a group and individually over the past several weeks
this is an important project for the community

Claire Griffin
reads the Open Letter (published earlier) and petition
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/03/franklin-voices-open-letter-to-franklin.html

signed by over 500 citizens, all Franklin residents between online and hard copy

Richard Huff
my wife and I are on the listing
I have an idea, new assistant office for a non-profit in town
great constituency, non-profit
an incubator for non-profits focus on growing the value of the community
we have some short comings, the diversity is lacking
lot of us are white males, silent or invisible disabilities that are just becoming known and will need to be addressed
there are non-profits out there, who could try and partner to

Jim Schultz
thanks for voicing your opinion Councilor Padula, it is good to hear that
I would like to explore the cultural aspect
cultural district is in the works, the Master Plan was approved by this Council
there are points in the Master Plan, goals are grounded in Town property
what is the proper use of this property? developing a coordination among the groups
great deal of concern about where the funding will come from, the cultural district will potentially provide that
communication is something we need to do a better job at
highlighted several sections of the opening goals of the Master Plan
glad that there seems to be an interest in having this discussion

Max Morrongiello
we live in a commonwealth and that means a lot to me
I was born in NJ and the state didn't provide the support I needed
I wouldn't be where I am today if the schools here didn't provide
a greenspace is about a community
I think we need to take this slow, if we decide a park, it will be here a long time
this will be a monument to our character and I want that to be here for all of us

Susan Sheridan
I think this conversation is just beginning
I was blindsided about some development ideas without having involved the community
research, stakeholders, things like these do not happen overnight
people are willing to sit on committees to see what it would take to do this
once it is sold, it is gone forever
it would be part of the cultural district
it would be beneficial to have a jewel in the gateway
let's take the time, get the community involved

Jane Curran
20 year business owner, 37 year resident
number one concern is with the upheaval due to the downtown streetscape project
where would the overflow go due to the disruption, at that time, the area around the municipal building would have been a solution
spoke to Stevn Greenberg, in Ashland, who recalled a particular shop that had closed due to the construction there
the traffic low is a concern, we don't know what it will be
it is a science, a science of guesswork, two lanes of traffic, if we don't wait and see, we would be compounding the guess

Michael Doherty
newcomer, only here for 27 years
nothing happens quickly, move forward at a reasonable pace
and simultaneously encourage other development
create a competition of ideas
since 2003 it has sat there
we need to change the status quo
we need hard proposals, it is right to say it is unique
having a private citizen willing to invest is also rare, Roger Callarese is a good developer
there is no deal to sell it to Roger, there is a lot of time to elapse
explain it to the folks, design review, planning board, all opportunities for the public to be involved
if you stop the process, you stop the town
it is hard to take the concept to take an idea to brick and mortars
lets work parallel programs, how much will it cost, how much will it benefit the town?

John Griffin
I have no opinion as to what should be done
I am of opinion that nothing should be done right now
preserve your options, there is value in that
waiting, that entire triangle, it is an accident of history, Rockland Trust
there could be an opportunity to do something meaningful there
reduce some of the cookie cutter aspect
it is an odd thing
there is no crime no sin in waiting
there is a great deal to be said for waiting

Alan Mercer
I think a couple of things
let's not stop this just to stop the process
many are confused, what is the process, RFI, RFP?
we are frustrated as we are not part of it
it has been around there but now here
we want to be part of the process
I am clearly in favor of the cultural district
if we have some time, we can do the next sensible thing, a find raising feasibility study
there are groups and families and businesses that might want to be recognized
there is no shortage of contractors in this town
perhaps they could do something for us
38 foundations support cultural and community
make sure we are all part of the process

Guy Rezendis
I went to kindergarten in that school
you have an opportunity to do something good
it doesn't have to be one or the other
a great opportunity for the gateway
pause, the businesses are going to get hurt, help them
echo those thoughts, rather than repeat what has been said
pause and think to get the ideas from the community

Brian Kelly
Asst Vice President for Capital Planning at Dean College
in favor of whatever will enhance the community
we have made changes at Dean to give it a sense of place, a sense of identity
there is a lot of research that shows that brings community brings civic pride, makes Franklin different from our neighbors
needs to be unique and a signature entrance to the community
we have been here for 150 year, we will be here for another 150 years

Cindy Rich
Quilt shop owner, in business after 10 years
two concerns, one what is going to happen when the streetscape is going on
I have 7 employees and 5 are residents, the work they depend upon
celebrating the ten year anniversary this year
need to do something creative, the process should be fair and transparent

Jim Hill
resident for 37 years
I patronize the businesses downtown
I am empathetic for those who would be doing business
a council should not do anything that would have even a small impact on their livelihood
it doesn't make sense
Mr Nutting mentioned we have this property for over a hundred years
I don't see why we would give up this space

Peter Liner (?)
I have talked to a lot of people, I haven't heard that we need another drive through or an other office space
I am advocating stopping

Claire Griffin
We used to have a community center
the pipes burst, it did not get rebuilt, the families lost the opportunity to go
the scouts lost their place to have meetings
it was a crappy building, but it was there
having a place where families and non-profits, community groups can gather

Lisa Buccelli
23 year resident of Franklin
how often we like to name things and share our history
what do we want our town to be known for
I don't want our town to be know for how many Dunkins; or Starbucks, are here
We need to incorporate Dean like NH has done
we need to make our community a walking community
we don't need another Walgreens in our gateway
have you tried to get out of Chipotle's
it is a disaster

Judy Pfeffer
reading a statement from the Citizens Committee
the committee was formed to enhance the community
the recycling center improvements, Dean College station improvements
the site is better suited for commercial business
curb cut should be done before the building is completed so it would not be re-done when the streetscape is done
suggestions that the site is suitable for a park is not well reasoned
the towns history of property maintenance is abysmal at best
needs to be an ongoing discussion of public and private section
recommends that a request for interest be solicited
request process will take months
waiting for the next few years is not in the towns best interest

Kelly
we are elected to serve 30,000 folks
one misconception, there was a meeting in October where the developer mentioned a drive through
this did start in Oct 2012, this did start sometime ago
my goal for this property is the highest and best use for Franklin
what is the plan for business parking?
I decided to do a study
18 open spaces during three times a day during march
currently a portion leased to the Post Office
the new traffic pattern was heavily looked at during the streetscape project
our building does have a hole in in, a $2M dollar hole
how to raise money for our roads
how do we get the lawn in front of the fire station cut as our DPW is so short staffed
nothing happens quickly, this has been on the agenda since 2004, I appreciate that you are all interested
I would love to see the downtown expanded to include to the Town Common

I would request an expression of interest be referred back to the EDC to be put on legislation for action

Padula
I think something needs to be done
absolutely not open to any time delay, that accomplishes nothing
this is the very beginning, I think they need to continue
money is going to be an issue
we need to do more with parking
maybe expand the free meters so folks will know at least they can get something

Bissanti
Mike Doherty stole part of may speech, Peter stole the other so I'll just wing it
I realize it is not all about the money, when the anaerobic digester came to Pond St, it was not the right move
what the best we can do is be transparent and input as much as we can, expression of interest
let's keep moving forward, this will not happen fast
after those steps, then the person will need to go through the Planning Board
we know we have to make a decision sooner or later
there are hard decisions, we represent the whole community

Mercer
I don't want to rush into this, I am excited about the community interest
I would like to hear of the interests before we going with an RFP
we should have some answers before going forward
where are we going to put Franklin Recreation?
parking in our downtown, the Council looked at purchasing the Old Masonic Hall to alleviate parking
thank you to the residents who came out tonight

Jones
I spend more time downtown than most people do
this is my home, this is my stomping ground
you will find some photos there of what this building used to look like it was the high school until Davis Thayer opened, it was barberized and I am not fond of it now
Ryan Jette and the Recreation operate a self sustaining budget, they need a better space
I am a member of the downtown partnership
there is no doubt we have a parking issue
I would like to approach Rockland Trust in hopes of partnership with them that we might be able to make available
I am looking forward to having the Black Box opening
the streetsscape, will be a problem, in order to get it better we have to destroy it
150 Emmons St can be and will be a good gateway
we own Horace Mann a dedication, parking, now that leaves the remainder of the lot
what is it going to be, I don't see purpose in delaying it

Cerel
statutory guidelines for RFP
expression of intent before hand will help to craft the RFP and focus
the RFP has to stand by itself

Feldman
we do need to do a better job explaining what is going on
short term vs long term
cognizance of the business concerns
would the value of this property be higher after?

Williams
in listening to what has been said here tonight, there is truth along all sides
go with the expression of interest, see what happens, a great compromise
it doesn't stop things, we have been sitting on it and need to move forward
let's get every bodies ideas, what is viable

Nutting
I think the value of the building wil really be determined by the proposal
what the property use will be will affect the sale price
is the motion to put on the next agenda for a request for interest for 90 days to the EDC and a report to the Council in Sep

vote on roll, unanimous via roll


announced that there would be a 5 minute recess
the crowd empties the Council Chambers





Live reporting: Spilka, Ross, Roy


H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
Senators Spilka, Ross and Representative Roy (Chris Yancich in his place)

Sen Spilka
$154,000 increase over FY 14, via joint release of House and Senate
$59,000 increase also coming to Franklin for unrestricted aid
SPED circuit breaker still to be determined with other specific areas of the budget

Sen Ross
appreciates Sen Spilka's knowledge of Franklin
trying to bring back as much as can be brought back to the community
Watertown was shut off due to the over whelming response to the firefighter funeral today
thanks to all those in Franklin and our local communities for the first responders and their service

Chris Yancich
Thanks to the Senators for covering the budget that was what I had in my notes from Rep Roy
Rep Roy apologies for not attending tonight, he is in session in the House working on the budget legislation
feel free to reach out to Rep Roy and we'll do what we can

Q - Jones - we need money for roads?
Spilka - $1.5 B for 5 years, could account for the largest amount ever to go to cities and towns for the next 5 years, also allowed to be aggregated so it doesn't have to be spent all at once, some can carry over

Ross - it has been a hard winter, a lot of work is being done on the 152 corridor
Planville will start to see some growth with the race track coming in
I commend you all for doing as much as you can with what you get

$300,000 for the Panther Way section at RT 140 was passed by the House
looking to see that is still comes this way

Spilka - encourages communities to write a letter and be a pain, sorry to be that way but it may help

Nutting - looking to get a home rule change to be able to tax the medical marijuana
it is up for the agenda this evening

Spilka - water issue bond bill to help communities, particularly with the EPA focus on the water

Ross - we do rely on you to be our eyes and ears for any issues that we may not know of
Greg Casey, formerly with Scott Brown, will be starting tomorrow as chief of staff to replace the person who I had who left for a private position

Spilka - temporary notes, to provide more flexibility on short term bans, to renew from 5 to 10 years
MetroWest commission on the status of women and girls, to work with the Sate-wdie org and focus on the 495 MetroWest belt communities

Ross - we are being proactive with the MetroWest caucus which is now coming further down i495 than it has come before, great things will be happening in this area


Live reporting: Town Council - Apr 2, 2014

Present: Feldman, Paqdula, Kelly, Vallee, Pfeffer, Jones, Bissanti, Williams, Mercer (remote)
Absent:  none

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
– February 12, 2014 Regular and Executive Session- To be released


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.


C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
none

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
none

E. APPOINTMENTS
none

F. HEARINGS
none

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
none


Youth Community Involvement Club - Connecting FHS with the Franklin Community

Conor Lemanowicz writes:
As citizens of Franklin it is our duty to give back to the community that has given us so much throughout our lives. Giving back is the mission that the Youth Community Involvement Club was founded upon. Founded this year by a group of students led by Dan Robert, the YCIC’s goal is to create an organization that will have a profound effect on Franklin for years to come.  
Youth Community Involvement Club
Youth Community Involvement Club
If you have never heard of the YCIC, you are not alone. It is a relatively new organization with large goals. The YCIC is an eight member board that acts as a catalyst to facilitate outreach between the students at Franklin High and the many people in our community in need of assistance. The YCIC works directly with the Franklin Food Pantry to help support the families of those in need. The Franklin Food Pantry is already a very established organization in town. With the help of the YCIC, the food pantry can reach more people, more efficiently, and with more consistency. 
YCIC meets every Thursday in Mr. Penza’s room. Meetings are open to the public to come in and provide ideas. The more awareness we can spread, the greater the effect we can have. The YCIC also helps to organize and to spark interest for community events. The first of these events is the Elks Care Elks Share 5K Road Race and Walk. The event, which will take place on May 10th not only helps to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry but it also helps the Wounded Warrior Project. The YCIC hopes to lay a foundation to make the organization an integral part of student life at Franklin High. With your help, the YCIC can be extremely beneficial for generations to come. 
If you are interested in helping out with the YCIC in any way or if you would like to participate in the 5K please contact ycic.fhs@gmail.com or contact any of the members of the board.

You can also follow the YCIC on twitter @FHSYCIC

Member Contact List:Conor Lemanowicz
Thomas Cerrier
Gabbie Blood
Cobi Frongillo
Ashley Jacques
Haley Frank
Cathryn Noon

This was originally posted on the FHS Pantherbook
http://pantherbook.org/student-life/2014/03/31/connecting-fhs-with-the-franklin-community/

Agenda for April 2 Friends of Franklin Library Meeting


FOFL Meeting Agenda for Wednesday. April 1, 2014
Meeting time:  7PM
Meeting place:  Franklin Library, Community Room


·       Welcome and introductions
·       Guest - Alice Welch, President of the Massachusetts Friends of libraries (MFOL)
·       Library Director's comments
·       Comments and updates from the Library Board of Directors
·       Acceptance of minutes from last (March 5) meeting
·       Treasurer's report
·       Committee updates
o   Membership 
                         Annual meeting in May
o   Outreach – Facebook/Twitter
     Spring newsletter      
o   Downtown Partnership 
               Membership Renewal
               FDP event schedule
·       Continuing items
o   FoFL Bulletin board content
o   Program plans, and update
o   Status of new passes requested by community
·       New Items
o   New program suggestions
o   Monthly "theme" suggestions
o   Other  (open forum)

Benjamin Franklin statue outside the Franklin Public Library
Benjamin Franklin statue outside the Franklin Public Library

Franklin Cultural Council - Open House - Apr 6

The Franklin Historical Museum will host the Franklin Cultural Council awards on Sunday, Apr 6 from 2:00 - 4:00 PM.

Cultural Council Awards - Apr 6
Cultural Council Awards - Apr 6
Additional information can be found in the flyer




Please visit the updated Franklin Historical Museum webpage (nice!)
http://franklinhistoricalmuseum.org/

FSPA - Disney Showcase - Apr 11


Thirty-four local students from the Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) will travel to Walt Disney World during the April school break to perform for Disney audiences and participate in master classes with Disney performers, choreographers and directors. 
FSPA musical theater troupes Broadway Ladies and Broadway Light, as well as the senior dance company, CenterStage, will entertain at Downtown Disney’s Waterside Stage. Performances are on Saturday and Sunday evenings, April 19 and 20. The FSPA students also will participate in Disney’s Broadway Magic, Jazz Dance and Acting 101 workshops, as well as in the American Idol Experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. 
FSPA
FSPA
FSPA performing troupe and dance company members are selected at the beginning of each academic year by audition. The ensembles offer outstanding training and performing opportunities throughout the year. 
The FSPA students participating in Disney Performing Arts at Walt Disney World are Marissa Carlin of Bellingham; Adriane D’Amato and Amber McGrath of Foxboro; Madison Asgeirsson, Brooke Collins, Hailey DeMello, Kendra Dombroski, Ali Funkhouser, Graham Hancock, Jocelyn Jones, Catherine LeClair, Shaina McGillis, Teagan McStay, Sarah Metras, Brian Rea, Jillian Rea, Alicia Rivera, Stephanie Schiavo, Lindsey Sparages, Lauren Szczepanowski, Katherine Waples and Melissa Wyner of Franklin; Michael Fajardo of Hopkinton; Sam Evans, Alex Vancura and Nicole Vancura of Medfield; Elizabeth Kilgallon and Maddy Williams of Medway; Katie Gray and Bridget Madden of Milford; Shannon Fox of Norfolk; Kylee Rollins of North Attleboro; Sasha Gardner of Sharon; and Jenna McDermott of Wrentham.  
FSPA performing at Disney in Dec 2013
FSPA performing at Disney in Dec 2013
In preparation for the trip, FSPA will present a Disney Showcase on Friday, April 11 at 7:00 p.m. at the Franklin Lodge of Elks, 1077 Pond Street. In addition to the Disney-bound ensembles, Disney Showcase will feature the musical theater troupes Lite Brites and BLT2, with younger FSPA students, and FSPA’s junior dance ensemble, Next Step. Ticket proceeds will help defray travel and workshop expenses for the Disney-bound performers. 
The musical theater ensembles will be accompanied by FSPA’s resident rhythm section, including FSPA Director Raye Lynn Mercer, drummer and faculty member Kenny Hadley, as well as bassist and arranger Mark Poniatowski and guitarist Mark White, both of the Berklee College of Music.

Tickets to Disney Showcase are $25 for adults and $20 for students and seniors, and include a dessert buffet at intermission. Tickets may be purchased in advance at The Spotlight Shop (34 Main Street, Franklin), by phone (508-528-8668), and online (www.fspaonline.com), or are available at the door.

Franklin Wine Club

Would like to inform you of the new Franklin Wine Club my store is supporting.


Franklin Wine Club
Franklin Wine Club
Franklin Wine Club http://www.meetup.com/Franklin-Wine-Club/


Our Wine Room  http://www.franklinliquors.com/WINEEDUCATION.htm



Take care
Mark Lenzi



Mark C Lenzi CSW* CWAS**
Franklin Liquors
Franklin MA 02038
Phone: 508-528-7338
Fax: 508-520-0515
Franklinliquors.com
Find Us On Social Media
*Certified Specialist of Wine
 Society Of Wine Educators
**California Wine Appellation Specialist
 San Francisco Wine School

In the News: FY 2015 budget


The Finance Committee on Tuesday unanimously endorsed next fiscal year's $99.8 million budget, sending it along to the Town Council for a final review. 
"Thanks for all of the preparation," said committee chairwoman Susan Dewsnap, addressing Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting, treasurer/collector James Dacey and comptroller Susan Gagner. "It all went smoothly." 
The council may hold budget hearings as early as the end of the month.

Read the full article here (subscription required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140402/NEWS/140409346/1994/NEWS

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Live reporting - Finance Committee

Present: Fleming, Dowd, Conley, Smith, Dewsnap, Heumpher 
Absent: Dufour, Aparo, Quinn

Gagner, Nutting, Dacey


Bill Dowd covering to take notes for the meeting


Draft Capital plan presentation


Adjusted package from last week that was viewed by the FinCom


Saving 300,000 in free cash for snow and ice and 100,000 for whatever


take 10% of free cash and put it into OPEB, so that would be 200,000


fire truck would cost about 550-600,000


fund renovations to second floor of Senior Center to get architect work underway


field stabilization account to replace fields, will need 900,000 - 1M to replace, targeted for 2016 or 2017 at the latest


Rec Dept looking to do a 'spray park' at Fletcher Field, a fancy way to run under a sprinkler

can mitigate our share of expenses, the State will reimburse but we need to front the money
if we apply we can get the grant, all the water is recycled and treated before being reused

police looking for vehicles, radios and computers


finish parking lots with LED lighting

fire suppression system in the computer room here at the Municipal Building

$7.5M bond authorization for sewer work


multiple sources of misc revenue to the tune of about $880,000

including the Board of Assessors who released 3 years of overlay surplus in the amount of $550,000

Fire

Chief Gary McCarragher
vehicle for shift supervisors is what is being looked for to be replaced
2006 Expedition has about 60,000 miles, would be moved to fire prevention
new vehicle would be used for fire response

portable radios, some purchased last year, this will replaced the remainder

like a computer it either works or it doesn't, on a good rotation cycle
this would purchase 20, this would keep 2-3 as spares with a 7 year life cycle
not a lot of down time associated with these

EMS jackets

we replacing fire fighter clothing and if anything was left would be used on these jackets
since they received the grant for the fire fighters, they need funds for the EMS folks 

replace the more of the old remaining breathing apparatus

it is mission critical, you need to replace all at the same time
buy them train them and then used them without having to worry about them
looking to seek grants to help support the purchase
looking 350-400,000 total for all the units needed

had been a request for body armor that was cut from this version of the capital budget


can also purchase through a state bid (for the truck) and ensure how close we'll be for the bid and the stabilization amount as we go


Police

Chief Stephen Semerjian

I think the fire chief did a credible job on the vehicle and on the radios so I thank him for that, it will save me some jabbering


three of the older and high mileage vehicles are targeted for replacement

it is a matter of safety for the guys, the mechanics will tell us when it is time to go

the dog is not in the capital budget

the dog probably trains harder than we do
currently 8 yrs old, purchase of a replacement is coming from the operating budget
rather than wait for the capital budget

30 portable radios would bring a new one for the full department with 5 spares

6-8 years life expectancy

20K for computers some desktops and two for the new cars coming in

includes 3 desktop, 2 mobile units, and 9K for the software

discussion on the recycling of the cruisers, cost of extending the older vehicles is more than using a newer car with better mileage


new cars are all 6-cylinders, so there is cost savings operationally

we'll accumulate some to auction off and do them at batch

DPW

Deacon Perrotta, Deputy of Operations

looking at purchase of a replacement for one of the sidewalk vehicles


pick up truck used by the on-call person


refurbish the truck body used by the catch basin truck cleaner

the body rots out cleaning the catch basins, replacing the body extends the life of the vehicle at a good savings

$225,000 for the Senior Center to add 30 spaces to the existing 88 parking spaces

trees cleared, doing the plans ready for when the asphalt season opens
grading and earthwork required, drainage is also required
parking needed in advance of the second floor renovation

Park road getting flooded, drainage needed to avoid flooding

55K for drainage, 30 for paving, remaining

looking to add 6 vehicle parking spots at the Police Station

land across the street at the ice rink is State owned

Sewer

Beaver St interceptor turns 100 years old this year
it runs from Beaver by the train tracks up behind the Franklin Village Plaza and then to Pond St to the old sewer beds, to replace the whole thing would be multiple millions

'muffin monsters' will grind up anything, including the swifters that shouldn't be going down the drain


dual wheel utility truck, originally priced at 130K and worked with the manufacturer we can come down to

83,000 

Water

generator for the Washington St booster station
behind the old museum on Washington, provides pressure boost for the water lines from there to the end of town

meter replacement program

looking to replace 20 year old meters, loosing revenue
looking to replace 600 per year, MIU = meter interface unit, read via radio signal
meters will now do leak detection, most waste through toilet leaks
looking to replace the residential meters

commercial meters are already 

approx 3,000 calculated to be replace, would be contracted to do the replacement
phone cal or website, work with the residents, at least four contacts to schedule the visit to replace
may ultimately be a $50 fine for non-replacement

need to do 2 miles of water main replaced every year

authorization for $7.5M but design would be spent and then the pipe work would be done next spring
probably would also need a rate increase to do this

sheets to be added with proposed water main replacements for the next several years



Public Facilities

Mike D'Angelo

looking to replace generator at the police station


three major school facilities were already done, this amount would be covering the remaining public facilities exterior lighting, payback less than three years, lighting to last 7-8 years

no parts in the light to change, a solid state fixture to run 50-70,000 hours

Halon suppression system for the computer room, good coverage for the equipment being used in the room



Technology

replace 4 servers
replace the Windows XP with Windows 7 systems as XP is no longer supported


Capital budget
voting to approve capital for general operations   approved by 6-0
water   approved by 6-0
sewer   approved by 6-0
water main replacement bond for 7.5M    approved by 6-0


FY 2015 operating budget
total recommended 110,275,241
general government  9004727
public safety 9758704
education  57818453
DPW highway  4144423
human services  566930
culture recreation  1164434
debt service  7591160
benefits  9285386
liability insurance  460000

solid waste 215281 ??
sewer (fill in later)
water 4852511

all votes were 6-0 approval

looking for the library to make a presentation on Apr 16th
would come before the FinCom eventually no matter what is decided

funds remaining from the house on Beaver St, would look to transfer to take down the house on Wachusetts St (next to Fletcher field)

Thursday's meeting (Apr 3rd) would be canceled
will look to see when the Council will schedule their budget hearings

will look to balance out the money to pay the snow and ice budget

next meeting looks to be May 6th

motion to adjourn

Franklin Newcomers and Friends host 'Between the Peaks'


The Franklin Newcomers and Friends are thrilled to host two 2007 Franklin High School graduates, Jonathan Ronzio and Ethan Lee. Together with a third friend, they pursued their passions for adventure and combined them with humanitarian efforts to create Between The Peaks, a volunteerism based adventure. They've climbed numerous mountains in multiple countries and "between the peaks" they provided labor, donations and goodwill to underprivileged communities. Their website, betweenthepeaks.com reads like an adventure novel and details their adventure in pictures and words. They have filmed their adventure and put together a documentary film trailer that they will be presenting at numerous film festivals. 
Come meet these two outstanding men and hear their story!
Franklin Newcomers and Friends
Franklin Newcomers and Friends
Please join us on Wednesday, April 9th at 7:30 PM at "3" in Franklin. Light appetizers and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided. A cash bar is available.



The sneak peak of the film of their adventure

Wachusett St purchase

During the last Town Council meeting, the Council approved the purchase of a house on Wachusett St. The house is empty and conveniently located next the current parking lot for the baseball fields at Fletcher Field. Purchase of the house and lot will allow eventually for the expansion of the parking lot.

If you have ever been along that stretch of Wachusett near Arlington when the games are in full swing, travel is slow (or should be) to safely avoid a problem.

92 Wachusett St
92 Wachusett St


92 Wachusett St
92 Wachusett St

No specific timeline on when the lot will be added to the parking area. Given the work already on hand for the DPW, my guess would sometime perhaps during this year or next year. The key would be whether the work required would require additional funding. The amount approved covered the purchase but did not cover the demolition or site work required.

The Town Council agenda and documents for the March 19th meeting
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/03/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-mar-19.html

The posts reported live during the March 19th meeting
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/03/town-council-031914.html

PMC Kids 8th Annual ride - June 15th


Our 8th Annual Kids Ride will be held on Sunday, June 15th at Remington/Jefferson School in Franklin from 8am-Noon. 
Kids ages 3-14 can participate in this bike ride to raise money for the Dana Farber Cancer Institute through its Jimmy Fund. 
Choose your ride: 3, 6 or 10 miles. Children 6 and under can ride on our Tikes and Trikes supervised course.

Register today at http://www.kids.pmc.org/franklin.aspx

PMC Kids ride - June 15th
PMC Kids ride - June 15th

Putting for Patients - Apr 6

Need to get your mini-golf fix in? Why not help a good cause at the same time. Sunday, Apr 6 from 1:00 - 4:00 PM at the FHS Field House

Putting for Patients
Putting for Patients


note the date is wrong on this sign, it should say Apr 6
note the date is wrong on this sign, it should say Apr 6

Hockomock Area YMCA kicked off annual campaign March 27 at Gillette Stadium (photos)

Guests at the Hockomock Area YMCA's Reach Out for Youth & Families Campaign kickoff Breakfast listen to speakers sharing their Y stories
Guests at the Hockomock Area YMCA's Reach Out for Youth & Families Campaign kickoff Breakfast listen to speakers sharing their Y stories
Mimo Jaber of Wrentham, MA shows emotion as she speaks of the support that the Y's scholarship program has helped her family's life
Mimo Jaber of Wrentham, MA shows emotion as she speaks of the support that the Y's scholarship program has helped her family's life
Shelly Jacobson of Wrentham, MA was one of the morning's speakers, sharing the impact the Y has had on her own life as a summer camper.  She is now the Sports Director at the Invensys Foxboro Branch
Shelly Jacobson of Wrentham, MA was one of the morning's speakers, sharing the impact the Y has had on her own life as a summer camper.  She is now the Sports Director at the Invensys Foxboro Branch