Monday, January 4, 2016

Electric Youth 2016 Debuts Two Shows At THE BLACK BOX

Electric Youth (EY) 2016, the international touring ensemble of talented singer-dancers trained at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA), headlines at THE BLACK BOX in downtown Franklin on Saturday, January 9, debuting two shows at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. Backed by an eight-piece band of world-class musicians, Electric Youth delivers a fun, high-energy evening of family entertainment with an extensive range of contemporary pop, classic rock, Broadway and country hits for audiences all ages. The EY shows at THE BLACK BOX will feature fully choreographed performances of Adele, Pat Benatar, Beyonce, The Black Crowes, Gladys Night, Queen, Sugarland, Stevie Wonder and more.
Electric Youth - 2016
Electric Youth - 2016

Selected annually by audition, the group is chosen for superior musicianship, stage presence, and “triple threat” accomplishments in voice, dance, and acting. This season’s ensemble of performers, ages 14-18, studies multiple dance disciplines, voice, and acting at FSPA. Electric Youth 2016 includes Madison Asgeirsson, Brooke Collins, Aaron Frongillo, Jocelyn Jones, Lauren Szczepanowski and Melissa Wyner of Franklin; Michael Fajardo of Hopkinton; Sam Evans and Colie Vancura of Medfield; Katie Gray of Milford; Kylee Rollins of North Attleboro; Griffin Wilkins of Walpole; and Jenna McDermott and Susauna Wickstrom of Wrentham.

The EY singer-dancers are backed by Boston musicians who’ve performed, recorded and toured with music legends Tony Bennett, Aretha Franklin, Dizzy Gillespie, B.B. King, Diana Ross, The Temptations, Van Morrison and many others.

“The band that tours with EY really raises the level of experience for our singer-dancers and audiences alike,” says Director Raye Lynn Mercer. “These musicians have performed with A-list entertainers, and the music is first-rate. The arranging team for Electric Youth, including several of the band members, writes custom arrangements for EY that allow the group to take classic songs and make them their own.”

EY’s show band features Kenny Hadley on drums, Arnie Krakowsky on tenor saxophone, Bill Miele on bass, Artie Montanaro on trombone, Walter Platt on trumpet, Ken Reid on baritone saxophone, Mark White on guitar and Mercer on piano. Under the direction of Mark Poniatowski, musical arrangers for Electric Youth are Rick Hammett, Jeff Perry, Walter Platt, Poniatowski, Mark White and Ben Whiting. Hallie Wetzell is Electric Youth’s Vocal Director. Choreographers include Mercer, Casey Andrade, Cheryl Madeux, Nick Paone and Kellie Stamp.

Electric Youth has released six professional albums and toured Europe 12 times, with performances at England’s Arundel Festival, Disneyland Paris, professional theaters in Bristol, London and Windsor, and such renowned venues as Sanremo’s Ariston Theatre and Vienna’s Konzerthaus, Musikverein and Schonbrunn Palace. 

EY has also headlined Fourth of July shows for U.S. troops and their families stationed in Italy at Camp Ederle, Camp Darby, and Aviano Air Force Base. The ensemble has performed on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas, on Fox-TV and WBZ Radio, and at Fenway Park, Gillette Stadium, Mechanics Hall, the Smithsonian Museum Theater and the United Nations. EY’s music, including the 2014 album Power Chord is available at amazon.com and iTunes. Electric Youth 2016 will tour Austria and Italy this summer.

Tickets for Electric Youth In Concert at THE BLACK BOX are $26, with $18 tickets available for children 12 and under at the first show only. To purchase tickets, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com, stop by the box office at 34 Main Street in Franklin, or call (508) 528-3370. THE BLACK BOX is located at 15 West Central Street in downtown Franklin. Light pub fare and cash bar are available. For more information about Electric Youth, visit www.electricyouth.com.

Annual Report - 2015: Board of Assessors

Annual Revaluation Update
The revaluation of all real and personal property in the Town of Franklin was completed Fall 2014 in preparation for Actual Fiscal Year 2015 3rd quarter tax bills. Following is a brief review of that achievement.

Data Collection
Thirteen years have now passed since we installed the real estate valuation and assessment administration software developed by Patriot Properties, Inc. Because our start-up data was from a different form of valuation system and most of our data had not been refreshed in nearly ten years, it was necessary to complete a town-wide data recollection program prior to finalizing the FY 2005 valuations. Patriot Properties was hired for this task. Over the past 10 years, our appraisal staff has performed the on-going property exterior measuring and interior inspecting for all real estate classes. Such reviews are done for the Department of Revenue (DOR) required cyclical program, as well as for building permitted changes, pre-appraisal and abatement verifications.

Field Review
In addition to individual property on-site review, field reviews are required periodically to check for obvious data accuracy and consistency. This drive-by review provides another level of assurance that when valuation schedules are applied, the results will be “Fair and Equitable”. Commercial/Industrial/Apartment Valuations Annually there are analyses of sales data as well as income and expense market data. The Board contracted Patriot to work with our Director to establish an income approach to value for each property. All requirements of the Massachusetts Department of Revenue were met through final approval of the FY 2015 valuations.

Sales Analysis
The majority of the sales analysis was completed by September 2014, and the interpretation of sales continued through the next two stages of valuation. The town-wide program resulted in a valuation system that was applied uniformly throughout the town, while reflecting all the adjustments warranted individually and by neighborhood, to result in “Full and Fair Cash Values” as per Massachusetts General Law.

Value Generation
A system of valuation was established based on valid property sales and where applicable the income approach to value. These schedules concluded from the market were then uniformly applied to all taxable and exempt real property.

Final Value Review
Final reviews were completed in preparation for the DOR review. These include studies of various computer generated reports to check for value consistency, final field checks required, and for DOR documentation and its analyses.

DOR Review and Final Approval
Any on-site and statistical reviews by the DOR took place from April to September 2014. The appraisal staff provided files, generated property records, answered questions and addressed any concerns. At the conclusion of the DOR review, we were granted approval authorizing public disclosure.

Public Disclosure
The DOR approved valuations were available for disclosure to the property owners. While the administrative staff provided property record cards and general data reviews, the appraisers conducted informal hearings on valuations.

Personal Property
Business assets and those of utilities are reviewed for valuation as taxable Personal Property. For fourteen fiscal years we have engaged the specialized services of Real Estate Research Consultants (RRC) in the discovery and valuation of these accounts. These services have served us well, resulting in DOR approval and consistently defendable valuations. Also, considerable new growth has been certified annually. Additionally, the RRC Personal Property Software installed in our office has benefited us. The personal property valuation formulas are very straightforward, and the administrative capabilities have met our needs.

Classification Hearing and Tax Commitment
Following some discussion and a few presentations relative to single versus split tax rates, the Council approved a single tax rate at $14.84 per $1,000 of taxable value as calculated by the Board for all property classes. The tax commitment and mailing were timely for an actual 3rd quarter tax bill.

Abatement Reviews
Upon mailing of the tax bills and on or before the due date of the first actual bill, property owners have an opportunity to file an Abatement Application on the basis of overvaluation or misclassification. 68 abatements applications were filed of 11,492 taxable accounts, or 6/10ths of 1%. Generally those with merit were resolved through our conducting a complete on-site exterior measuring and interior inspection. Usually a valuation discrepancy is the result of a data error or as a result of an inspection appointment not being arranged and thus the data having been “estimated”.

Technology Improvements
In addition to our state-of-the-art software for the valuation and administration of both real and personal property, Cartographic Associates, Inc. (CAI) of Littleton, NH has continued to maintain the digital/GIS-mapping program it first developed for us in FY 2005. Following aerial photography and planimetric (physical features) mapping, CAI constructed cadastral tax maps (depicting parcels) through the use of over 5,000 plans and over 15,000 deeds. These new maps are continuously in our process of reconciliation with our property records for consistency in both parcel inventory and land area. With the support of Town Administrator Jeff Nutting and the Town Council, we have capacity in our Patriot software to link and utilize the maps with our assessment file. In addition, for the past ten years we have provided our tax maps on the web for the benefit of both the Town staff and the general public.

Appraisal and Administrative Staffing
The use of automation has minimized the former heavy burden of traditional data processing. Due to this and numerous other office improvements, the Town approved our Staff Restructuring Plan. We have adjusted our administrative support staff to Board Secretary Anne Covell who is responsible for continuing to improve our service to the public at the counter and by phone. She focuses her efforts on providing and reviewing public records, Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Commitments and Abatements, Exemption Applications, the general and specific support to the Appraisal Staff and any other assignments as required. She continues to train in various administrative duties and computer applications. We thank Anne for her efforts in 35 years of service to the Board. The Appraisers have made special efforts in the development and implementation of usable written instructions for the assessing office procedures and for MUNIS financial software applications. These instructions were developed consistent with all Mass. General Law and DOR requirements.

Appraisers
We thank Kevin W. Doyle, Director of Assessing for his diligence especially as Director beginning following his first two years here. He has overseen the completion of all our work these past fourteen fiscal years, five full revaluations and nine interim years of market adjustments. We are also pleased with the support work of Appraiser Peter Mooney since August 2004 and of Appraiser David Ruberti since July 2005. Our Director received his Massachusetts Accredited Assessor (MAA) in 1990. Within the past eight years both Appraisers completed their designation required education and experience, being granted their MAA designations and maintaining the periodic recertification required.

Town Revenue Enhancements
In addition to meeting all state requirements as well as daily office oversight, the Director and Appraisers have achieved many additional improvements to benefit the Town taxpayers. One such is the efficiencies built into the Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Commitment and Abatement processes in conjunction with the new MUNIS tax software installation. These excise taxes represent about 4.5 million dollars in locally raised annual revenue, or about 6.5% of locally raised tax revenue. We assure the citizens that like real and personal property, taxes on these are assessed and abated appropriately and uniformly for the maximum benefit of all. Registry of Motor Vehicles’ automation aided the Director and Appraisers to further enhance revenue in assessing dealer and repair plate registrations. As well, with the automation improvements of the Environmental Police, this professional staff successfully developed a new annual revenue stream in the identification and assessment of excise taxes on boats principally situated in the Town of Franklin.

On-site Periodic Property Reviews
Because we have initiated the cyclical property remeasurement and re-inspection program acceptable to the Massachusetts DOR, we continue to make various public information efforts to assure property owners have advance information about this on-going program. Briefly, please note that the purpose of these property visits is to verify that the correct data is being used in the determination of valuations to achieve “full and fair cash value” in accordance with Mass. General Law Chapter 59. The Board appreciates the general public’s cooperation in its efforts to serve all property owners in all property types to assure fair and uniform values.

Your Elected Board of Assessors
Before entering the performance of his/her duties, each Assessor upon election has taken the oath of office specific to assessors. Massachusetts General Law has provided that because the DOR Commissioner of Revenue has regulatory oversight of assessing in every city and town, the Commissioner likewise determines the training requirements for the assessors and any assistants. At this time, the Commissioner has determined Course 101, including the Classification Training Workshop, meets the minimum requirements. All three assessors have completed these and have been certified as such by the Commissioner of Revenue.

The Board looks forward to continuing education opportunities offered by the MA DOR and the professional associations, the Massachusetts Association of Assessing Officers (MAAO) and the International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO). The assessors have attended
seminars and workshops to broaden and reinforce their understanding of property tax law.

In particular, the Board has focused on current and possible future tax relief and deferral options for Franklin’s elder citizens. To that goal following meetings of the Town Senior Outreach Committee, last fall the Board, its Staff and the Office of the Council on Aging continued a broad-based effort to reach seniors. This resulted in successfully providing tax relief (exemption) information to additional seniors who owned and occupied their homes.

Also, with the valued assistance of Veterans Agent Bob Fahey, special efforts were made to identify veterans and their surviving spouses entitled to state exemptions, much of it reimbursable to the Town. At the close of FY 2015, Bob retired as Veterans’ Agent; his dedication to veterans and his assistance to our Board and Staff in these matters is remembered and always appreciated.

All these efforts are consistent with the Board of Assessors commitment to meet its challenges as key Town Financial Team members to the benefit of all the citizens of the Town of Franklin.

The Board thanks John Neas for his service as a member. Regretfully, John resigned as a result of the demands on him as a new full-time assessing director for the Town of Hopkinton. The Board was fortunate to receive the interest of Franklin resident Town of Medway full-time assessing director Donna Greenwood who was appointed by the Town Council as an interim member until the Fall 2015 election. As we write, the Board of Assessors and its Staff are preparing to finalize the Real and Personal Property Appraisal files for Interim Fiscal Year 2016 subject to DOR review and Final Certification.

Respectfully submitted,

W. Ken Norman, Chairman
Christopher K. Feeley, Assessor
Donna Greenwood, Assessor
Franklin Board of Assessors

  image from Board of Assessors page on Town of Franklin website
image from Board of Assessors page on Town of Franklin website

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"Prior to November 1 of each year, the Town Clerk shall cause to be prepared and made available to the inhabitants of the Town an annual report for the preceding fiscal year which shall include: the annual Town budget, the reports of all Town officers, the records of all Town Council bylaw amendments and resolutions, an abstract of births, marriages and deaths, and the wages, salaries, or other compensation of all Town employees." [Added 5-2-2012 by Bylaw Amendment 12-681]

Shared from the full and complete PDF version of the Town of Franklin Annual Report for 2015 http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/annual/2015report.pdf

Additional information can be found on the Board of Assessors page


In the News: Franklin projects for 2016, deadly heroin batch

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

The coming year should bring about several new initiatives for Franklin, including work on the senior center, library and roads. 
Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting said a variety of new projects would be taking shape in 2016. One of the largest, he said, would be the start of a one-year, $10.5 million renovation and expansion project at the Franklin Public Library. 
Nutting estimated the project - which would, among other things, add meeting space and update the buildings HVAC and sprinkler systems - would begin in late spring. The work will require the library building to close for a year, and library services to be housed in a temporary location, yet to be determined.
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160103/library-senior-center-projects-due-in-2016

one of the architectural photos showing the addition to the Library
one of the architectural photos showing the addition to the Library

An especially lethal batch of heroin is believed to have caused multiple deaths in Western Massachusetts in the last five days, and Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. issued a warning Sunday about heroin packaged with the label "Hollywood." 
Police in Chicopee and Holyoke as well as the Hampden County District Attorney's office alerted the public this weekend after police responded to overdoses and found bags of heroin with the "Hollywood" label.
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160103/da-warns-of-lethal-heroin-batch

In the News: food drive a success, pipeline to be discussed by Town Council

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

Though the donations have yet to be fully accounted for, organizers said the Franklin Food Elves drive was successful once again this year. 
The elves held their tenth "12 Days of Donating" drive throughout December, with local schoolchildren seeking donations from their neighbors and area businesses putting out bins to gather items for the Franklin Food Pantry. 
Organizers said donations - though yet to be formally weighed by the pantry - were probably at or over the three tons the drive has garnered in the past couple of years. The official tabulation will come after the pantry re-opens following the New Year's holiday.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160103/franklin-food-elves-campaign-success


The Town Council's first meeting of the new year is slated to feature a discussion on a proposed natural gas pipeline set to pass through town. 
The council on Wednesday is scheduled to hear a presentation by residents concerned with the 119-mile Spectra Energy gas pipeline. 
Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting said resident James Hill would be speaking in opposition to the pipeline, which is planned to run through such area towns as Franklin, Milford, Bellingham and Medway. 
Spectra Energy has sought approval for a pipeline to expand the area's natural gas infrastructure and alleviate shortages, though area activists have questioned whether the project is needed.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160103/franklin-council-to-hold-session-on-pipeline

one of the many signs against the pipeline around Franklin
one of the many signs against the pipeline around Franklin

Sunday, January 3, 2016

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Jan 6, 2016


A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
– December 16, 2015

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
– This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29. This meeting is also being recorded by others.

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

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 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.

E. APPOINTMENTS

F. HEARINGS

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
- Spectra Pipeline – James Hill

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

  1. Resolution 16-01: G.L. Chapter 59, Section 5, Clause 41C, Property Tax Exemption
  2. Resolution 16-02: Amending the Senior Citizen Property Tax Work-off Abatement Program
  3. Resolution 16-03: Acceptance of Gift – Recreation Dept.
  4. Resolution 16-04: Grant of Utility Easement – 275 Beaver Street


K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
– Fiscal Forecast

L. OLD BUSINESS

M. NEW BUSINESS

N. COUNCIL COMMENTS

O. EXECUTIVE SESSION
- Pending or threatened litigation

  1. Proposed Excelon expansion of Medway electric generating facility pending before Energy Facilities Siting Board.
  2. Proposed Spectra gas transmission line through Franklin.


P. ADJOURN

Franklin Municipal Building
Franklin Municipal Building


The documents released for this agenda can be found on the Town of Franklin webiste
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2016%20Complete/010616.pdf

Annual Report - 2015: Dept of Public Works (DPW)

The Department of Public Works provides a wide range of services to the residents of Franklin. It is organized into seven (7) Divisions:

  1. Administration
  2. Engineering
  3. Highway and Grounds (including Highway Maintenance and Construction, Central Motors, Snow & Ice Control, Parks, Town and School Grounds Maintenance and Forestry/Insect Control)
  4. Water (including ground water withdrawals, water treatment and distribution)
  5. Sewer
  6. Solid Waste and Recycling (including the operation of the Beaver St. Recycling Center)
  7. Street Lighting



DPW ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISION

The major functions of the Administrative Division includes developing capital projects, long range planning, intergovernmental relations and compliance, grant writing, processing various private construction permits, drain layer licenses, purchasing, budgeting, accounting and payroll, and multiple forms of utility billing.

Capital Projects
The Administrative Division, in conjunction with Engineering and the operating divisions, develop major capital projects.

• The HPP reconstruction of the downtown corridor continued throughout the year. The object of this work is to improve traffic flow through the downtown area and create an area that expands pedestrian access and is business friendly. This project will provide two-way traffic on Route 140 and will include the burying of utilities, period lighting, planters, sidewalks, brickwork, curbing and parking improvements in addition to an improved transition with Dean College.

The DPW continues to design and construct long-range projects over the next three to four years. Progress on specific capital construction projects is outlined in subsequent portions of this report.

It is important to note that many of these projects are performed by existing staff members and save significant amounts of money by avoiding the need to contract out these services. The process of planning, designing, permitting and constructing these projects is an arduous task that requires a great level of coordination and cooperation between DPW divisions and other state, municipal and federal departments.


Grant Writing

The Town received an EPA 319 grant for stormwater improvements valued at over $100,000.00 The Town received an $118,000.00 grant to improve stormwater water infiltration at various locations. The Town partnered with the Charles River Watershed Association, which received a $30,000 grant to conduct rain garden trainings for the residents of Franklin. The Town received a $20,000.00 grant to offset the cost associated with the purchase of compactors to increase the recycling rate at the Beaver Street Recycling Center.


Permits and Long Range Planning

The Town of Franklin, along with the towns of Bellingham and Milford, were the only three communities in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts placed under a Residual Designation Authority (RDA) by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to mitigate phosphorus loading into the Charles River Basin. It is estimated the Town of Franklin may need to spend upwards of $135 million to implement all the measures that EPA feels would be
required to meet phosphorus reductions. DPW staff members have been working with the Towns of Bellingham and Milford, and State and Federal officials in conjunction with private land owners and business representatives to oppose this action based upon the unnecessary economic hardship it would create for the community. The EPA has acknowledged our concerns and we continue to wait for a final permit.

The Town of Franklin also continues to oppose the implementation of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II and pending Phase III Stormwater Permit for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) as required by the EPA. Phase II required the Town to highly regulate and monitor stormwater throughout the Town at a significantly increased cost. Phase III is projected to include increased regulatory requirements and cost even more. The Department will continue to refine and improve adopted regulations and practices to improve the stormwater in Franklin while minimizing the associated costs.

Long range planning is critical in the area of Public Works and must be accomplished consistently in order to ensure that the Town water, sewer and roadway infrastructure can support the needs of our residents. With the success of the 20/20 Plan, the Town Council authorized additional funding for waterline replacement and the improvement of roadways on sections of Lincoln St, East St, West St, Daniels St, Summer St, Lewis St, Crescent St, Anthony Rd, Carmine Dr., and Conlyn Ave. This work has commenced and is expected to be completed within the next two years. With that funding already allocated, the Town Council continued with additional funding for the waterline replacement and road reconstruction of the Northgate Rd neighborhood, Cleveland Ave neighborhood, Cottage St area, Squire St areas, sections of Maple St, Ruggles St area, sections of Partridge & Elm Streets, Skyline Dr. neighborhood, Oak St Extension, Marvin Ave area and the Stanford Rd area. The DPW has continued to work with both the DEP and the Massachusetts Department of Recreation and Conservation to facilitate the final closing and capping of the Beaver Street Landfill Site.

The Town of Franklin has continued to work with other area Towns and conservation groups towards insuring that regional water supplies are protected.


Solid Waste and Recycling Collection Program

The single stream automated solid waste and recycling program continues to be a very successful program in reducing costs, improving recycling rates and providing greater convenience for users. Additional landscaping improvements have been made to the Beaver St. Recycling Center to make the facility more attractive and customer friendly.


Hails and Farewells

With all the losses of the previous year, the DPW was able to hire some new employees. This included: Mr. Justin Pothier on the highway crew, Mr. Michael Ciallella on the highway crew, Mr. Scott Mathews on the grounds crew, Mr. Kevin Bariteau on the water crew and Mr. Stephen Freiberg as a new mechanic.


With gains, there are always losses

Ms. Linda Feeley, DPW office manager, a long time dedicated employee who worked for the department for over 23 years! She was an extremely talented and knowledgeable employee with a great sense of humor and smile to match that will be missed by all. Mr. David Seale, an excellent mechanic retired. Mr. Philip Vondras, a member of the grounds crew also left to pursue other ventures.


Thanks

As the Director, I owe many thanks to my entire staff as they make this whole department work and serve all residents in a timely manner. Everyone is committed to providing extraordinary service to the Town in the most cost-effective manner possible.

The Town Engineer Mr. Mike Maglio, Budget & Administration Manager Ms. Kathy Mooradd, Director of Operations Mr. Deacon Perrotta, Highway and Grounds Superintendent Mr. Carlos Rebelo, and Water and Sewer Superintendent Laurie Ruszala are all dedicated professionals that put in so much extra time and effort to make this Department a success. The Town and I are very fortunate to have such talented individuals to work with.

I would also like to thank, Paula Juarez, Sandy Wedge, and Lynne Marchand who support the Administration Division. Additionally, a big thanks to our part-time staffers Pam Vickery and Kim Leonard in the Administration Division. These individuals respond quickly and with courtesy to thousands of requests for assistance and information throughout the year.

Continued thanks go to Mr. Christopher White, the Town’s Solid Waste Coordinator. Even though his position is a part time one, he gives his heart and soul and spends much of his personal time to insure that the solid waste and recycling program is a success.

I would especially like to thank the “Crew” and the mechanics that work out of the DPW garage. These are the gentlemen that are not always seen, but provide the day-today services that are all too often taken for granted. They pump, treat and deliver safe drinking water; they care for parks and ball fields, and they maintain the roadways, repair and sustain all Town and school vehicles and handle all our waste. They are always available, day and night, and work long hours to assist in any emergency situation whether it is snow removal, water breaks, sewer backups, wind, lightning storms and flooding, among many others. They are all extremely professional and dedicated to their jobs. I cannot thank them enough.

Respectfully submitted,

Robert A. Cantoreggi II
Director of Public Works

Kathy Mooradd
Budget and Admin Manager


Note - there are additional sections on the DPW in the Annual Report. For brevity sake, I have only included this on the Administrative Division. You can find the remainder in the full report (PDF) beginning on Page 135
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"Prior to November 1 of each year, the Town Clerk shall cause to be prepared and made available to the inhabitants of the Town an annual report for the preceding fiscal year which shall include: the annual Town budget, the reports of all Town officers, the records of all Town Council bylaw amendments and resolutions, an abstract of births, marriages and deaths, and the wages, salaries, or other compensation of all Town employees." [Added 5-2-2012 by Bylaw Amendment 12-681]


Shared from the full and complete PDF version of the Town of Franklin Annual Report for 2015

DPW headquarters on Fisher St
DPW headquarters on Fisher St
Visit the DPW page for additional information across their operational units


Economic Development Commmittee - Jan 6, 2016 - 6:00 PM


From Andrew Bissanti, Chair - Economic Development Committee

"Our first meeting of the year will be 1/6/16 at 6:00pm. Training room on the third floor of town hall. Pond Street discussion and update, zoning discussion on neighborhood business , and general residential 5 . 
Also an electronic sign company will be on the agenda ... we only have an hour as town council will convene at 7pm. so if we need more time we can continue till next meetings."


Thompson Press Building - recently rezoned for residential use
Thompson Press Building - recently rezoned for residential use

FHS winter sports teams were back in action on Saturday, Jan 2

The FHS winter sports teams were back in action on Saturday, January 2. The wrestling team went to West Springfield for four matches and split winning two, dropping two. The boys indoor track team lost to Mansfield while the girls team beat Mansfield. On ice, the girls hockey team beat Scituate. All the results from Hockomock Sports.

FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

Wrestling

Franklin @ West Springfield 
– Franklin broke even on the day, beating West Springfield (48-21) and Chicopee (42-21) but suffered losses to New Milford (CT) (51-21) and to Springfield Central (42-26).


Indoor Track (@ Reggie Lewis Center)

Boys

  • Franklin, 28 vs. Mansfield, 72 – Final 

– The Hornets had first place finishes from Nick Graham in the 55M dash (6.97), Devin Maughn in the 300M (37.88), Kyle Amerantes in the 600M (1:29.37), Jake Affanato in the 1 Mile (4:43.74) and in the 2 Mile (league best 10:21.71), Jake Morrill in the 55M hurdles (8.61) and the long jump (18-04.50) and Conor Cline in the shot put (35-03.25). Franklin’s Ryan Spelman won the 1000M race in 2:46.49 and Luke Gordon won the high jump at 5-10.00.


Girls

  • Franklin, 56 vs. Mansfield, 44 – Final 

– Franklin’s Jessica Kroushl posted a league best time of 7.63 in the 55M dash, Meghan Doherty had a league best time in the 600M (1:43.91), Brittany Robinson had the best time of all 12 schools in the 1 Mile (5:29.54), Carly Rondeau won the 2 Mile (13:24.72), Beth Neal won the 55M hurdles (9.67) and the high jump (4-08.00) and Sarah Goodermuth won the shot put (30-08.00). Mansfield’s Kelly Crawford had a league best time of 42.34 in the 300M and won the long jump (15-02.00) and Caitlin Whitman had the league’s top time in the 1000M (3:11.86).


Girls Hockey


  • Franklin, 6 @ Scituate, 0 – Final

For the remainder of the action around the Hockomock League

“You’re not in control when you’re in this business”

FHS graduate April M Crehan has the byline on this story from the Milford Daily News on what the farmers do during the winter.

“Everything gets probably three times as hard” in the winter, said Nick Hoffman, who chuckled as he identified himself as “the owner, the manager and the mechanic” of Hoffman Farm in Franklin. Toward the end of 2015, Hoffman started selling milk in addition to produce, eggs and firewood. 
Animal welfare becomes top priority in winter for farms that have livestock in addition to fields.
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160103/farmers-winter-just-as-busy-as-sowing-harvest-seasons


Saturday, January 2, 2016

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 1/1/16 - THU 1/7/16

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

SATURDAY 1/2/16
1pm   Adult Coffee and Craft: Earrings and a bracelet at the Franklin Public Library

WEDNESDAY 1/6/16
6:30pm   Franklin Art Association Meeting at Franklin Senior Center. Open to public. Demonstration by pastel painter Liz Haywood Sullivan.

For all the Town of Franklin Public Meetings click HERE.

For event details click HERE.

*If you have any suggestions or events for the calendar, please email Renata@BetterLivingRE.com

Planning for the US Army Corps of Engineers Natural Valley Storage Area

From Alan Earls

​Dear Colleagues and Neighbors, 
I am writing to you in regard to the hundreds of acres of mostly contiguous open space land within Bellingham, Franklin and Medway that are part of the US Army Corps of Engineers Natural Valley Storage Area. I have had the opportunity to meet most of you at some point in the last 10 months so you will be aware of my effort to gather support for improved public access to this land. In the course of this period I have met with Metacomet Land Trust, the Conversation Commission of Bellingham, and the Open Space Committee of Medway as well as talking with several officials in Franklin. 
In September Representative Jeff Roy (D-Franklin) and Representative Kevin J. Kuros (R- Uxbridge) joined me for a morning of driving and walking around the property. Both men expressed surprise at the extent of the property and indicated a willingness to seek “seed” funding, perhaps for an engineering study, to look at how public access could be improved.

In hopes of building some momentum together, I have reserved a meeting room at the King Street fire station in Franklin to discuss how those of us in each of our three communities can better work together toward this goal while also working effectively with US and Massachusetts officials involved in management of the property. 
Specifically, I would like to include on the agenda:

  • Developing an inventory of existing or potential public access points...
  • Sharing experience/insights about working across communities and state/federal jurisdictions
  • Clarifying potential “next steps” toward making the “Charles River Meadowlands” an integral part of the open space picture across our three towns.
Mine Brook flows into the Natural Valley Storage Area
Mine Brook flows into the Natural Valley Storage Area


The meeting will be held on Thursday, Jan 28, 2016 from 6:30- 8:30 PM


LOCATION:

  • John Durand Memorial Fire Station
  • Station #2
  • 600 King Street
  • Franklin, Massachusetts

Annual Report - 2015: Public Library


Franklin's Community Vision

“To be a vibrant community that supports the arts, nonprofit organizations, higher education and businesses in an atmosphere that allows growth and prosperity while at the same time conserving our heritage, natural resources, and history. We will build on and celebrate our uniqueness as a
community and maintain the quality of life that is a strength and competitive advantage.”

Franklin's Public Library, 118 Main St
Franklin's Public Library, 118 Main St

Franklin Public Library Vision

Franklin Public Library strengthens the Town of Franklin’s culture of learning, innovation and engagement.

Highlights and New Services:

Facility
Plans to address code issues, renovate and expand the facility are underway. The Library is profoundly grateful for the hard work and diligence of the Building Committee.

Services:
Sunday hours have made easy, continuous and convenient access to the library possible for all Franklin residents.


Collections - The Digital Branch

Expanding access and resources beyond the physical building is a library priority. In 2015, the library added five new databases, bringing the library’s digital collection to eight. In addition to the e-book collection from Overdrive, Hoopla for e-audio books, music and movies, and genealogy and Ancestry, Franklin residents of all ages now have unlimited access, anytime, anywhere to online resources for research, education, personal growth and entertainment.


New databases

1.Rosetta Stone
With a simple log-in through the Library, Franklin residents now have the freedom to learn a new language free of charge whenever, wherever, they choose from the leading provider of online services designed to help people master a new language. The Rosetta Stone can be accessed on almost any device with a mobile app. and provides instant feedback, fun activities and expert guidance for differing learning styles or core lessens that build reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills.

11. Learning Express 
Library an online test preparation database with over 800 practice tests and self paced study opportunities to help Franklin Residents achieve their educational and career goals free of charge.

Featured resources include:

1. Adult Learning Center
• Build math, grammar, writing and reading skills.

2. Become a U.S. Citizen
• Prepare for the Citizenship Exam
• Get a Green Card

3. College Center

Math Skills Review
• Algebra
• Basic Math
• Calculus
• Geometry and Measurement
• Trigonometry
• Statistics
• Logic and Reasoning
• Quantitative Comparison and Word Problems

Reading Skills Review
• Reading Comprehension
• Vocabulary and Spelling

Grammar and Writing Skills Review
• Grammar
• Writing
• Public Speaking

Science Skills Review
• Chemistry
• Biology

Prepare for Graduate School Admissions Exams
• GMAT Preparation
• GRE Preparation
• LSAT Preparation
• MAT Preparation
• PCAT Preparation

Prepare for College Placement Exams
• ACCUPLACER Preparation
• ASSET Preparation
• COMPASS Preparation
• College Placement Preparation eBooks

Prepare for the CLEP* Exams
• CLEP* Preparation

4. College Preparation Center

Prepare for Your ACT Test
• Prepare for Your ACT Test
• ACT Practice Tests

Prepare for Your SAT Test
• SAT Test Preparation Tutorial
• SAT Practice Tests

Prepare for your AP* Exam
• Practice for Your AP Exam
• AP Exam Preparation eBooks

Prepare for Your PSAT/NMSQT Test
• Practice for Your PSAT/NMSQT Test
• PSAT/NMSQT Test Preparation Prepare for Your TOEFL Test
• Practice for Your TOEFL Test College Admissions Essay Writing
• Learn to Write a College Admissions Essay

5. High School Equivalency Center

Build Your Basic Skills
• Build Your Reading Skills
• Build Your Writing Skills
• Build Your Math Skills
• Build Your Grammar Skills
• Build Your Vocabulary and Spelling Skills

Prepare for the GED® Test
• Learn About the New GED® Test
• Reasoning through Language Arts
• Mathematical Reasoning
• Science
• Social Studies

6. School Center

Elementary School
• Math Skills Improvement
• Reading Comprehension Skills Improvement

Middle School
• Math Skills Improvement
• Reading Comprehension Skills Improvement
• Writing and Grammar Skills Improvement
• Social Studies Skills Improvement
• Vocabulary and Spelling Skills Improvement
• High School Entrance Exams Preparation

High School
• Logic and Reasoning Skills Improvement
• Math Skills Improvement
• Reading Comprehension Skills Improvement
• Science Skills Improvement
• Social Studies Skills Improvement
• Statistics Skills Improvement
• Trigonometry Skills Improvement
• Vocabulary and Spelling Skills Improvement
• Writing and Grammar Skills Improvement

7. Career Center

Learn More about a Career
• Allied Health
• Caseworker
• Culinary Arts
• Firefighting
• Green Careers
• Homeland Security
• Law Enforcement
• Legal
• Nursing
• Teaching
• Career Information for Veterans

Prepare for an Entrance Exam
• Prepare for Allied Health Programs Entrance Tests
• Prepare for Nursing School Entrance Tests

Prepare for an Occupation Exam
• Allied Health
• Air Traffic Controller
• Civil Service
• Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
• Cosmetology
• Culinary Arts
• Emergency Medical Services
• Firefighting
• Homeland Security
• Law Enforcement
• Postal Worker
• Nursing
• Real Estate
• Plumbing
• Teaching

Join the Military or Become an Officer
• Prepare for the ASVAB
• Prepare for the Military Flight Aptitude Tests
• Prepare for the Officer Candidate Tests
• Prepare for the CFAT

Job Search and Workplace Skills
• Improve Your Job Search, Interviewing, and Networking Skills
• Build Your Workplace Skills

111. Reference USA
Reference USA is the premier source for consumer and business information. With access to over 24 million US businesses it is a valuable tool for students, job seekers and small business owners/entrepreneurs.

1V. Zinio - Magazine newsstand
The world's largest newsstand offering free full color to digital magazines from the library’s collection of popular titles with no holds, no checkout periods, and no limits to the number of magazines that Franklin residents can download. Zinio can be accessed on variety of devices including iPads, iPhones, Android, Macs, and the PC.

V. America’s Genealogy Bank with America’s Obituaries and Dearth Notices

This new database is now available to Franklin residents with your Minuteman Library Card, America’s Genealogy Bank provides Web-based access to nearly 241 million of United States core genealogical records from 1690 to the present day. Most of these sources are unique to this collection and are difficult to find on microfilm or in print. Through basic name search or advanced search options, genealogists can find and browse digital images of obituaries, marriage notices, birth announcements, casualty lists, military and government documents, and other essential primary sources. It also provides the full text of modern U.S. newspaper obituaries and death notices, as well as enhanced Social Security Death Index (SSDI) records. By searching more than 151 million records found in more than 4,600 historical U.S. newspapers and other sources, researchers can quickly find their ancestors in obituaries, marriage notices, birth announcements and other items.

To access databases Go to www.mln.lib.ma.us Click on Databases Enter your library card number, and select the database.

Outreach - Partnering with the Schools

Outreach efforts to the Franklin Public Schools, the Charter School and Tri-County included:
• Library visits to the schools to read, share information and meet with parents.
• School Library orientation programs and tours.
• Library card campaigns at the schools.
• Teen book discussion group.
• Sharing programming information and services with the schools.
• Regularly scheduled reading programs at the Library.
• Library's year round 'get ready for kindergarten' program.
• Free Tutoring/ homework assistance for students in grades 2-8.
• Free books for Franklin school teachers for their classrooms at the library's monthly book sales.
• Library books /digital collections developed to assist students complete assignments throughout the school year.
• Summer reading programs and lists
• Hosting the Charter School Art show for the sixth year in a row.

Programs

In FY2015, the Library offered nine powerful weekly programs designed to increase reading readiness, support school readiness, improve learning outcomes, teach technology and programming skills and create informal learning environments for tweens and teens.

In addition, three monthly clubs (Lego club, genealogy club, adult coffee and craft) transformed library visits into teachable moments and social gatherings for youngsters, families and adults.

Monthly adult programs included author visits, ghost stories, computer workshops and open computer labs.


Special thanks



  • The Franklin Library Association gift

We are very grateful to the Franklin Library Association (FLA) whose generous donation of $28,750 allowed us to expand the digital collection and purchased 15 laptops, 15 chrome books, a digital cart, a 3D printer and supplies. Their generosity provided the financial support needed to
establish Technology Talk for teens and tweens, technology workshops for adults and an open computer lab.


  • The Friends of the Franklin Library Gift

All of the 2015 Summer programming has been funded through a generous donation of $10,000 by the Friends of the Franklin Library. We are thankful for their financial support and commitment to the Library.


  • The Town Council for the FY2016 Budget

Town Council approved a 2% increase of the FY 2016 budget. Although this modest increase is $271,024 short of the $962,020 Municipal Appropriation Requirement, we are grateful for the stability and continuity it provides.


  • Digital Credit Union's $4,000 gift will significantly impact Library Services.



  • The Mom's Club of Franklin North's donation of $250 for improvements in the Children's room is welcome and inspiring.


The Library values the vision set forth by the Library Board of Directors, the continued support of the Town Council, Finance Committee, Town Administrator, the Friends, the Franklin Library, the Franklin Library Association, our hard working staff and volunteers.

Exploring additional funding revenue streams going forward

The Library Board has begun exploring the establishment of a Foundation to support the Library's capital and the operational needs

Respectfully submitted,

Felicia Oti
Library Director

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"Prior to November 1 of each year, the Town Clerk shall cause to be prepared and made available to the inhabitants of the Town an annual report for the preceding fiscal year which shall include: the annual Town budget, the reports of all Town officers, the records of all Town Council bylaw amendments and resolutions, an abstract of births, marriages and deaths, and the wages, salaries, or other compensation of all Town employees." [Added 5-2-2012 by Bylaw Amendment 12-681]


Shared from the full and complete PDF version of the Town of Franklin Annual Report for 2015



----------

The library expansion plans were approved after the Annual Report entry was completed

although the presentation to the Town Council occurred in April 2015

The architect document can be viewed here (PDF)

The library has its own blog where it posts upcoming events  http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/

In the News: robbery suspects, EMC announces job cuts

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

Police have released photos of two suspects in the Middlesex Savings Bank robbery that occurred Wednesday morning. 
According to an updated press release sent out Thursday night, "police are now searching for a dark-colored BMW 3 Series four-door sedan." An earlier description suggested the suspects might have used a Volkswagen to flee the Franklin Village Shopping Plaza area. 
Anyone with any information related to the robbery should contact the Franklin Police Department at 508-528-1212.

Two male suspects in the Wednesday bank robbery in Franklin VIllage Plaza. One of the suspects is thought to be light-skinned.
Two male suspects in the Wednesday bank robbery in Franklin Village Plaza. One of the suspects is thought to be light-skinned. Franklin Police via Milford Daily News

The dark-colored BMW 3 Series four-door sedan that two male suspects allegedly used to flee the scene.
The dark-colored BMW 3 Series four-door sedan that two male suspects allegedly used to flee the scene. Franklin Police via Milford Daily News

For more on the robbery, read the Milford Daily News coverage.


----------------

In regulatory filings, Hopkinton storage giant EMC Corp. announced it would restructure its business and cut jobs before its $67 billion takeover by Dell. 
According to the filings, EMC said the restructuring would save $850 million a year, but did not say how many people would lose their jobs. The layoffs would be complete by early 2016.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20151231/emc-announces-job-cuts

In the News: FHS boys basketball fund raiser, Seniors feedback sought

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

The Franklin High School Boys Basketball Boosters will hold an adult-only fundraising event from 7 p.m. to midnight Jan. 16 at the Franklin Elks Hall, 1077 Pond St. 
The evening will include raffle items, 50/50 raffle, DJ entertainment, light appetizers and a cash bar. 
The cost is $20 per person, and all proceeds will benefit the FHS Boys Basketball program. 
Tickets can be reserved and will guarantee entry. To reserve tickets, mail a check (postmarked by Jan. 12) payable to: FHS Boys Basketball Boosters Club and mailed to: FHS Boys Basketball Boosters Club; Karen Mahon, 11 Lost Horse Trail, Franklin, MA 02038. 
To pay at the door, admission will be on a first-come, first-served basis, limited to 175 people. 
For more information, contact Karen Mahon at karen.mahon11@gmail.com.
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20151231/franklin-highs-boys-basketball-boosters-to-hold-fundraising-event-for-adults


In an effort to help seniors better connect with state services, State Rep. Jeffrey Roy (D-Franklin) will be hosting a "community conversation" on the matter this month. 
The conversation - scheduled to take place in the Franklin Senior Center on Friday, Jan. 15 at 10:30 a.m. - will feature State Rep. Denise Garlick (D-Needham), the chairwoman of the Joint Committee on Elder Affairs. 
Garlick - a registered nurse - and Roy will be speaking about the $3.5 billion in senior programs offered by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs and MassHealth. 
"This is to make sure that folks are aware of the services available, to get a sense of what we do in the state government and to get feedback on the areas where we're not doing enough," Roy said.
Senior Center - Jan 15, 2016
Senior Center - Jan 15, 2016

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160101/legislator-to-host-conversation-with-seniors

Friday, January 1, 2016

Happy New Year Franklin!

This will be the only post today. If there is other news that is share worthy, it can wait until Saturday. 

What matters today is spending time with family and friends!


happy new year Franklin!
Spruce Pond on Christmas morning

Note: With the New Year holiday falling on Friday, the weekly calendar will be posted on Saturday, Jan 2, 2016.