Saturday, February 15, 2014

Parking Ban Activated



PARKING BAN ACTIVATED 02/15/2014


1054 AM EST SAT FEB 15 2014

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM EST SUNDAY...

* LOCATIONS...MOST OF RHODE ISLAND. EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS ALONG
 AND EAST OF THE I-95 CORRIDOR.

* HAZARD TYPES...HEAVY SNOW.

* ACCUMULATIONS...SNOW ACCUMULATION OF 8 TO 12 INCHES.

* TIMING...LIGHT SNOW DEVELOPS THROUGH THE AFTERNOON. THE HEAVIEST
 SNOW FALLS AFTER 3 OR 4 PM...WITH THE WORST OF THE STORM BETWEEN
 6 PM AND 1 AM. SNOW ENDS BY 3 OR 4 AM.

* TEMPERATURES...IN THE UPPER 20S.

* IMPACTS...HEAVY SNOW WITH 1 TO 2 INCH PER HOUR SNOWFALL RATES
 WILL MAKE DRIVING EXTREMELY DIFFICULT THIS EVENING. BLOWING AND
 DRIFTING SNOW WILL RESULT IN VERY POOR VISIBILITIES AT TIMES BY
 MIDNIGHT. TRAVEL WILL BECOME QUITE DIFFICULT THIS EVENING.

* WINDS...NORTH 15 TO 25 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 45 MPH.

* VISIBILITIES...ONE QUARTER MILE OR LESS AT TIMES.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER STORM WARNING IS ISSUED WHEN AN AVERAGE OF 6 OR MORE
INCHES OF SNOW IS EXPECTED IN A 12 HOUR PERIOD...OR FOR 8 OR MORE
INCHES IN A 24 HOUR PERIOD. TRAVEL WILL BE SLOW AT BEST ON WELL
TREATED SURFACES...AND QUITE DIFFICULT ON ANY UNPLOWED OR
UNTREATED SURFACES.

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parking ban activated during snow storm
parking ban activated during snow storm

Hockomock Area YMCA Youth Sports Leagues Enrolling


The Hockomock Area YMCA is accepting registrations for sports leagues that support healthy lifestyles and instill a positive self-image in kids. This spring, kids will have a great time playing Soccer and T-ball with YMCA expert coaches and friends.

Hockomock YMCA - Youth soccer
Hockomock YMCA - Youth soccer
Soccer players will develop and improve fundamentals like dribbling, passing and kicking. And in T-ball, kids will develop baseball skills that include catching, throwing and hitting. YMCA Sports leagues are run in a positive and structured environment to ensure every child has fun and thrives.


Everyone plays and everyone is part of the team. Players will receive a jersey and end of season award. Don’t wait; call today to save $15 through March 23rd.



FRANKLIN LEAGUES:
Sat. - Soccer, age 3-10 morning | T-ball, age 3-6 afternoon






To register, please call or visit the Hockomock Area YMCA today. Financial assistance is available to those who could benefit and is provided from The YMCA Annual Campaign. For more information, visit hockymca.org.

Hockomock YMCA - tball
Hockomock YMCA - tball

Bernon Family Branch: 45 Forge Hill Road in Franklin, 508-528-8708 | Sports Director: Kailynn Bateman 774-235-2720, kailynnb@hockymca.org

About Hockomock Area YMCA:
The Hockomock Area YMCA is an organization of men, women, and children sharing a commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility. With over 31,000 members, half under the age of 18, the YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities they are privileged to serve. The Y is for Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility.

Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter School - Enrollment Info Session

Considering sending your children to the Charter School? Check out the Enrollment Information Session for Saturday, Feb 15 from 9-10:30am. Tours will be included.

BFCCS Band in the Franklin Memorial Day Parade, 2013
BFCCS Band in the Franklin Memorial Day Parade, 2013


Check out the enrollment video recently published
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/02/benjamin-franklin-classical-charter.html


Trivia Bee - March 19th - 7:00 PM

Hold the date - March 19th

The Trivia Bee is approaching. Time to start brushing up on your music trivia!




For more on the Franklin Education Foundation you can visit the website here
http://www.franklined.org/


"Each pizza box is a mural"


Spruce Pond Creamery owner Marc Bluestein recently commissioned a Franklin High art class to create an exhibit that would fit at his flatbread pizza restaurant and ice cream parlor. 
Robin Katz’s painting and printmaking class was up to the challenge: With paint and pizza boxes as palettes, the students created murals inspired by the restaurant’s menu. 
"Part of the fun was they weren’t just doing something for our classroom, but the community as well," said Katz. "You should always experience learning outside of the classroom; it makes it more meaningful and relevant."
See more at: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140215/NEWS/140217108/1994/NEWS#sthash.Wo4T6JJg.dpuf


Spruce Pond Creamery as seen from across the pond
Spruce Pond Creamery as seen from across the pond

Friday, February 14, 2014

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 2/14 - THU 2/20


FRI 2/14   3:30-5:30pm   Valentine Art Party. Grades K-5. Franklin Art Center.

FRI 2/14   7pm   Dancing For The Paws - 3rd annual Valentine's Ball to benefit BASK. Donation $50. Elks Lodge, Franklin. http://www.bask9.org/fundraisers/


SAT 2/15   Library Book Sale 9:00am-4:00pm
12:30pm   Spirograph Play Day at Learning Express, Franklin.

SUN 2/16   Library Bag Sale (buy books by the bag) 9:00am-Noon

TUE 2/18   12pm   Soccer for Smiles Tournament to benefit Random Smiles Project. For age groups and times visit https://www.franklinsoccerschool.com/tournament

WED 2/19   10am   Soccer for Smiles Tournament to benefit Random Smiles Project. For age groups and times visit https://www.franklinsoccerschool.com/tournament

THU 2/20   10am   Soccer for Smiles Tournament to benefit Random Smiles Project. For age groups and times visit https://www.franklinsoccerschool.com/tournament

For camps and activities for your child/teen during February vacation visit Franklin Living blog.

For more details on above events click HERE and select the event of interest.

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

Soccer for Smiles Tournament

People in our own community need our help
to put smiles on their faces! Help us raise money for:
random smile project
Random Smile Project

Come help others and have some fun!
Soccer for Smiles Tournament
February 18th, 19th and 20th

soccer for smiles
Soccer for Smiles


You can register a team here
https://www.franklinsoccerschool.com/tournament



Library Book Sale

The new monthly Library Book Sale happens on Saturday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM and then the 'bag sale' (yes, fill a bag of books) happens on Sunday from 9:00 AM to Noon.


proceeds from the monthly book sales will be used to fund Sunday hours
proceeds from the monthly book sales will be used to fund Sunday hours

The latest from Mass Poetry



Small Press Fair, Poets with New Books, U35, Online Calendar, and more
View this email in your browser

Reserve your table at the Small Press and Literary Fair at the Mass Poetry Festival


Saturday May 3, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 

The Small Press and Literary Fair will take place outside of the Peabody Essex Museum (with a rain location for inclement weather) on Saturday May 3 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Literary journals, library organizations, university libraries or academic programs, and other community centers are also encouraged to participate. This will be a great opportunity to promote your material to an audience of more than 1,500 poetry lovers, and to engage with like-minded organizations. 

Interested? Contact January O'Neil at info@masspoetry.org for details.

Attention: Poets with New Books


If you have a full-length poetry collection published in calendar years 2013 or 2014 (excludes chapbooks), sign up for our 2014 Poets with New Books Reading. The reading will take place on Saturday, May 3 from noon-3 p.m. Register now.

Click here for a blast from the past--Poets with New Books reading at the 2009 festival.

Adopting U35


Mass Poetry is thrilled to announce that we are taking over U35, a bi-monthly reading series for poets under 35, founded by Daniel Evans Pritchard (Boston Review; The Critical Flame). Daniel will stay on as Founding Director after his farewell mini marathon reading on Tuesday, March 11, which boasts a line-up not to be missed! Make sure to catch:
James Stotts | Sean Campbell | Nora Delaney | Amy Macabre | Hannah Baker-Siroty | Sarah Sweeney | Audrey Mardavich | Sam Cha | Derek J G Williams | Teisha Dawn Twomey | Matt Summers | Janaka Stucky | Krysten Hill | Shari Caplan | Alexis Ivy | Daniel Evans Pritchard @ 7 p.m., March 11, at Marliave (10 Bosworth St, Boston, MA).

Mass Poetry's first official U35 will take place in May. Details coming soon.

Check out our upcoming events!


With no shortage of events on our docket, we've added a Mass Poetry events listing to the website. Check back often, as we will keep it updated!

Buy an Ad in the Festival Program Book


Support the festival while promoting your book, small press, or organization in our 2014 Festival program. We have full-page, half-page, and quarter-page sizes available. It's a great way to spread the word to a dedicated audience.

Interested? Contact January O'Neil at info@masspoetry.org for details.

Want to be part of the action?


Volunteer at the 2014 Massachusetts Poetry Festival to receive a free T-shirt, free festival admission, and an invite to the VIP reception! Register now.

Cant wait until May to get behind the scenes? Volunteer at Student Day of Poetry on Friday, March 21. You'll receive a free SDOP T-shirt and access to the amazing headline performances and ever-stunning student open mike. Register here.

Poetry & Leadership


Stay tuned for more information on our March 31 fundraising event, Poetry & Leadership, in which we proudly partner with The Favorite Poem Project and Courage & Renewal Northeast to present poetry readings from several notable leaders from both the artistic and political spheres right here in Massachusetts.
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Boston, MA 02210

School Opening Delayed 2 hours

A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT


Good Morning- 
Due to  icy roads and the anticipation of more precipitation until 7 a.m. school opening is delayed by 2 hours. 
Morning preschool programs are canceled. 
Emergency busing is in place for students who are walkers and for HS drivers - students may access a bus without a bus pass and bus drivers will pick up any student seen walking to school. For a list a bus stops please access district web site. 
School administration and clerical staff have a 1 hour delay. 
Central Office administration and clerical staff have a 1 hour delay. 

Thank You

This e-mail has been sent to you by FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message. If you wish to discontinue this service, please inform FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT either IN PERSON, by US MAIL, or by TELEPHONE at 508-613-1777.

Winter St sign in Feb 2012
Winter St sign in Feb 2012

"We don’t have any room to cut"

The Milford Daily News reports on the 5 year financial forecast shared at the Town Council meeting on Wednesday:
In his five-year budget forecast, Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting said on Wednesday that balancing the fiscal year 2015 and 2016 budgets will be manageable, but in the years after the town may have to consider increasing taxes or cutting staff. 
Speaking to the Town Council, Nutting emphasized that his message of doom and gloom was not new and could change. 
"The trend shows us going negative a few years out," he said, noting that expenses will begin outpacing revenues. "But there’s a lot of unknowns — no need to panic at this point."

Read the full article here: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140214/NEWS/140217568/1994/NEWS#sthash.cX4w7iH2.dpuf


My recap of the meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/02/follow-money.html

Thursday, February 13, 2014

Franklin Schools: Weather Update and Friday Status

A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

Good Evening 
It is my hope that you all managed in this the terrible weather.  School department our offices were open  so I did experience the impact of  the snow/ice/sleet on our roads. I am thankful for my Jeep !!

We anticipate that all schools will be open in the morning. As the forecast continues to be unpredictable we are hopeful that by morning there will be significant improvement in the conditions. DPW has been plowing and treating roads and will continue  to treat roads/parking lots through tomorrow morning. In the event that snow/ice accumulations are more than anticipated we may need to delay the start of school, however this is not our goal.  An additional concern is the possibility of a power outage. Any loss of power in a school may  impact our ability to open a specific school. 
Due to the volume of snow, DPW will not be able to plow sidewalks by the start of the school day.  As a safety measure we will implement emergency transportation for our students who walk to school and for HS drivers whose parents feel  road conditions are not appropriate for new drivers. Buses have been directed to pick up any student walking. Buses will also pick up students at bus stops  and students will be able to access a bus without a bus pass. For a list of bus stops please refer to the district web site and look for the drop down menu for transportation. As always if a parent feels the weather conditions are not safe for a child to attend school please feel free to exercise your right to keep your child home without impunity.

As this is our fourth ( hopefully final) snow day, our last day of school is now a half- day on June 20. For those traveling during the winter vacation, safe travels and hopefully you are going to a far warmer place. To all of our families and faculty- enjoy the vacation. 
Regards, 
Maureen Sabolinski

This e-mail has been sent to you by FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message. If you wish to discontinue this service, please inform FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT either IN PERSON, by US MAIL, or by TELEPHONE at 508-613-1777.

Maybe winter will give us a break soon!
Maybe winter will give us a break soon! 

Follow the money

The Town Council meeting on Wednesday, Feb 12 had several points of interest.

1 - Deviating from protocol, Bob Donovan representing the fire fighters union used the Citizen Comment to talk about the agenda item which proposed to remove fire fighters from civil service positions. The union was surprised by the agenda item as they had not been notified before hand and were already in arbitration with the Town on the current contract. During that negotiation, the discussion was focused on other items in the contract. After making his statement in the allotted time, he also returned to speak during the agenda. The comments and arguments were not convincing and the Town Council voted unanimously to remove the fire fighters from civil service.

This is just a step in the process to do so. The Town is legally obligated to still negotiate with the fire fighters union over the implementation details. This would only affect new fire fighters and with the current forecast, about 75% of the fire fighters would be retiring within the next 5-7 years. This could have an immediate impact if during the negotiations, the newest 4 fire fighters currently hired through a grant are affected. Otherwise, as the fire fighters retire and their replacements get hired, those would be the ones coming in to work form Franklin but not through the civil service system.

Will this ultimately get resolved? Hopefully sooner than later. The fire fighters union does have a history of not resolving contract negotiations on time. They have been the last union to settle and as I recall most have gone the arbitration route to reach an agreement.

(Protocol for the Town Council meetings is that any citizen can speak for up to five minutes on a topic not on the published agenda.)

2 - Jeff Nutting presented the 5 year financial forecast. The previous draft has not changed. The document is reported to be posted to the Town website. When the link is found it will be added here. The previous draft version can be found here  http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/02/franklin-ma-five-year-fiscal-forecast.html

3 - Maria Lucier, President of the Friends of the Franklin Library presented a check for $5,000 to the Library. Her remarks are listed in full here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/02/friends-of-franklin-library-5000.html

4 - Sewer extension approval was provided for a 9 unit development off Uncas Av and Ledge St. This apparently had been approved several years ago. The original developer went bankrupt, this agreement now allows the development to proceed.

5 - In the Administrators Report, Jeff Nutting provided several updates:

  • The CIC grant of $20,000 for the GIS map of the four communities covered by the regional dispatch system was acknowledged. 
  • The DPW also received a grant of $100,000 for work on stormwater. 
  • The State DOT did open the bids for the downtown project. Walsh Bros apparently is the low bidder but the contract has not yet been awarded. Stay tuned for further news on that front.
  • There will be a notice with the next sewer bill about not flushing 'swifters'. This is costing the town money as they clog up the sewer pump systems. The Council will see a future item for $100,000 to repair a pumping station.



Franklin, MA - Municipal Building
Franklin, MA - Municipal Building


The individual posts reported live from the meeting can be found here

Friends of the Franklin Library - $5,000 donation

Maria Lucier's statement for the Town Council meeting on Wednesday, Feb 12:

The Friends of Franklin Library is pleased to present a check for $5000 to the Franklin Public Library to be used for the purchase of library materials (Books, Dvds, and e-books). 
This brings the total the Friends have given to the library this fiscal year to just over $9000 ($9027.47). Since 2005, the FoFL has provided funding of over $184 thousand dollars to the library which has allowed purchase of “extras” not covered by the town budget, like museum passes, special programs, furniture, and more. 
The Friends are also pleased and excited to announce the creation of a $1000 annual scholarship in the memory of Wilma Winters, in recognition and honor of her dedication to and support of the FoFL. The first scholarship will be awarded to a Franklin High senior this spring. Part of the consideration for this is an essay indicating what the library has meant to them and how they envision the library of the future. 
Also, the FoFL recently became a member of the Massachusetts Friends of Libraries Association, and will be hosting the president of that group at our meeting on April 5. The MFOL sponsors workshops around the state and provides leadership on issues of regional, state and national concern to libraries. The meeting is open to anyone interested.

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


Schools Closed - Thu Feb 13th - Administrative Offices Open

A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

Good Morning

All Franklin Schools will be closed on Thursday and all evening activities canceled.
Central Administration Offices will be open.

Stay Safe

This e-mail has been sent to you by FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message. If you wish to discontinue this service, please inform FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT either IN PERSON, by US MAIL, or by TELEPHONE at 508-613-1777.


Wachusett and King St during the Feb 2012 snow "Nemo"
Wachusett and King St during the Feb 2012 snow "Nemo"

Public Meeting - Emmons St building - March 4th

The public meeting to discuss the future uses of the Emmons St building, delayed due to a snowstorm in January, has been rescheduled for Tuesday, March 4

Please see the flyer below for details and plan to provide your input at this important meeting. 


flyer for public meeting on future of Emmons St building
flyer for public meeting on future of Emmons St building




In the News: goodbye civil service, MA governor candidates


Town Council on Wednesday unanimously approved a resolution that will exempt future fire department hires from the Civil Service system despite the objection of the local firefighters’ union. 
President Bob Donovan said the union membership feels blindsided by the change, as it comes with the two sides already in state mediation to hash out a new contract, the final step before arbitration. 
Several firefighters attended the meeting as a show of support for the union’s position.

Read the full article here: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140213/NEWS/140218323/1994/NEWS#sthash.zc2Ye1F2.dpuf


In November, Massachusetts voters will elect a new governor for the first time in eight years in what promises to be a gubernatorial race filled with both mainstream candidates and outsiders from a variety of political persuasions. 
Nomination papers for legislative and statewide elections became available Tuesday from the Secretary of State office. So far, nine people want to be the next governor.

Read the full article here: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140212/NEWS/140218908/1994/NEWS#sthash.bAMjgNsq.dpuf

Guidelines and Criteria to be Applied by Franklin Town Council in Determining Penalty to be Imposed Upon Alcohol Beverage Licenseholder for Violation


A BYLAW TO AMEND THE CODE OF THE TOWN OF FRANKLIN AT CHAPTER 47.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL that Chapter 47 of the Code of
the Town of Franklin is amended by adding a new Section 47-22 as follows:

§47-22. Guidelines and Criteria to be Applied by Franklin Town Council in Determining Penalty to be Imposed Upon Alcohol Beverage Licenseholder for Violation.

A. Guidelines for Compliance Check Violations:

First Offense

Three to five-day suspension, one to three days to be served, with balance held in abeyance for two years.

Second Offense*
Five to seven-day suspension, three to five days to be served, with balance held in abeyance for three years.

Third Offense*
Seven to ten-day suspension, five to seven days to be served, with balance held in abeyance for five years.

*Any outstanding prior penalty held in abeyance shall be brought forward and served.

All penalties shall be served, at Council's option, commencing on the day of the week of the violation.


B. Other Operational Violations:

The Town Council shall consider each alleged violation on its facts, on a case-by-case basis and reserves its statutory right to modify, suspend or revoke a license; however, it may, in its sound discretion, apply the guidelines for compliance check violations, as well as aggravating or mitigating factors as follows:

Aggravating Factors:

1. Deliberateness of violation: intentional, willful, or negligent.

2. Facts of violation
a. Incident impacting public safety or accident involving serious personal injury or death.
b. Continued service of intoxicated or underage person or serve of multiple intoxicated and/or underage persons.

3. Multiple statutory and/or local bylaw violations.

4. Licensee's obstruction of or non-cooperation in investigation.

5. Licensee's failure to provide adequate staff training and oversight procedures.

6. Number and frequency of prior violations.

Mitigating Factors:

1. Licensee's acknowledgment of violation.

2. Licensee's cooperation in investigation.

3. Licensee's prevention attempts: equipment installation, staff training, oversight procedures, etc.

4. Licensee's voluntary remediation efforts: additional equipment, training, procedures, etc.

This bylaw amendment shall become effective upon passage in accordance with the provisions of the Franklin Home Rule Charter.



The full listing of Franklin, MA bylaws can be found online here
http://ecode360.com/FR1096?needHash=true

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Live reporting - Closing


K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
CIC grant of $20K for dispatch center to create one map of the four towns combined

DPW won a $100K grant on stormwater

State did open the bids for downtown project, Walsh apparently low bidder, apparently not awarded yet

Head's up - coming in the sewer bills, don't flush the wipes down the toilet
$100K to replace grinder pumps due to the problem
pills harm aquatic life when they go through the system
this cost the sewer rate

Executive session is requested
Department head presentations starting enxt meeting with Facilities first

L. OLD BUSINESS
none

M. NEW BUSINESS
discussion re-zoning route 140 at next meeting
bring the DPW back for the roads discussion, second meeting in Mar


N. COUNCIL COMMENTS


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

P. ADJOURN

Live reporting - Legislation for Action


I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS


J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 14:06: Acceptance of Gift – Franklin Public Library

Maria Lucier - President of Friends of Franklin Library
Established a scholarship in name of Wilma Winters
$1000 to FHS senior, part of consideration is an essay
now part of the MA Association of Friends of the Library
$184,000 donated since 2005; covering areas for where the budget is not covered

motion to approve, seconded - passed 8-0


2. Resolution 14-07: Revoke Civil Service – Fire Department
motion to approve, seconded

since 1975 various groups have been exempted from civil service
the long exception currently is the Fire Dept
we do have a legal obligation to negotiate with the Fire Union
The union had said they did not want to negotiate until the Council revokes
it is a difficult and tedious human resources process
over 200 folks took the test recently
every grandfathered who exists, would only affect future hires

Mercer - proud of men and women that work for the Fire Dept
all of the other unions have changed, I don't see a downside to this
the system is over 100 years old
directed to negotiate sustainable contracts, we don;'t want to eliminate positions
new contracts needed to contain different structures for new employees, the others have agreed to this
we are waiting for the fire union to make this agreement
as the last union
I would respectfully request that both sides return to the bargaining table to resolve this

Donovan - I disagree with de-valuing our job
I don't see someone coming on the job and being paid less than someone next to you on the line
everyone who has done this, causes problems done the road
whether you like unions or not, that is not the issue
mandatory overtime, short staffed
next 6-7 years three-quarters of the department would be gone
I don't see the few jobs that are out there will make the difference
we have to depend on each other
I think it is unfortunate that they made that choice
the nuts and bolts of each contract is different

Kelly - If it is hose that you need or equipment, I'd be first to get it for you

Pfeffer - do we have coverage?
McCarragher - we are at nine tonight, no one was taken off to come here tonight

Bissanti - Question on the process, it doesn't fall on deaf ears. Maybe special consideration should be made?
Nutting - we bargain how to implement the decision, there is no right to bargain over the civil service itself
Bissanti - I heard a compelling argument to keep it but then things change, it is not costing us anything. This should not be stopping our fire fighters from going forward. I haven't heard a compelling argument has been made. I can't see it

Jones - Councilor Mercer has stated all the facts, I concur with Councilors Kelly and Bissanti. My own union has been facing changes like this and we have overcome them. It is my hope that we can get over this and get to negotiation to resolve this. I think you do a great job.

Passed 8-0 via roll call


3. Resolution 14-08: The Woodlands-Approval of Modification (Amendment) to Regulatory Agreement
motion to waive reading, seconded
motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0

this was to resolve the legal matters around a bankruptcy


4. Bylaw Amendment 14-727: Amendment to Chapter 47, Alcoholic Beverages – 2nd Reading
motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0

formalize a past practice for treating liquor violations in a fair and consistent fashion
typically see compliance checks not the course of business violations
those are taken care of in a different section here
The ABC is not thrilled with compliance checks
in the course of the last appeal,the ABC was looking for written guidelines

good to see, can provide to the license owners so they will know
if adopted, this will be sent to all licenses holders

good to have a baseline to start with, does not change the Councils ability to deviate as necessary

Passed 8-0 via roll call


5. Bylaw Amendment 14-729: Amendment to Chapter 179-9.1, Exhibit A, Water System Map - 2nd Reading
motion to approve, seconded,
amended to include the memo from the Town Engineer for what the developer has agreed to for compliance

Passed 8-0 via roll call

6. Bylaw Amendment 14-730: Amendment to Chapter 139-14, Exhibit A, Sewer System Map – 2nd Reading

Passed 8-0 via roll call



Live reporting - 5 year Financial Forecast


H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
Financial Forecast – Jeffrey Nutting

draft provided earlier, not changed from draft
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/02/franklin-ma-five-year-fiscal-forecast.html

full report is online
(will provide link when available)

unfunded liability is almost as big as our annual budget ($86M vs $100M)
Franklin not alone in facing this issue

need to continue to lobby for change of outmoded and expensive laws




Live reporting: Town Council - Feb 12, 2014

Present: Feldman, Mercer, Kelly, Vallee, Pfeffer, Jones, Bissanti, Williams
Absent: Padula


A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
January 29, 2014- Workshop;
January 22, 2014 - Executive Session

motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0


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
Bob Donovan - Franklin Fire Dept - speaking in oppose the motion to removing the Fire Fighters from Civil Service; surprised by the agenda item, under negotiation for current contract; police have language but it may not fit the fire fighters situation. Haven't had the change to talk about it. Civil service is a huge item.

The impact of the passage would have to be negotiated. There are a lot of others things going on with the contract, civil service is not a topic there. There are a lot of liabilities to go along with the civil Service process. Let's work it out before you take it away.

On behalf of the membership, the fire fighters are against removing civil services


E. APPOINTMENTS
none

F. HEARINGS
none

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
none