Saturday, August 8, 2015

Pond St community takes exception to Councilor comments

Several members of the Pond St community took the opportunity to make their presence and feelings known at the Town Council meeting on Wednesday. During the Citizen Comment portion of the meeting, they made and reiterated several points that they believe some of the Councilors continue to forget.

Why take this action? As reported, the recent Economic Development Committee (EDC) meeting was conducted on Monday, July 27th beginning at 5:00 PM which is not exactly a convenient time for most working folks. To have some of the EDC members state something to the effect that 'since the community didn't bother to show up, they must not be too concerned about what's happening.'

As this comment has been made previously, and objected to as well, the Pond St community members took turns stating their case: 

  • They are united in objection to any development that will increase traffic. 
  • The traffic in that area is already a problem (text notes from 3/25/15 meeting or audio recording of same meeting). 
  • They understand and appreciate the need for revenue but also want to keep the neighborhood family friendly.
  • When one or two of the group show up, they are representing the group. Not all of the group can show up for all of the meetings.
  • They are willing to work with the condo proposal and would not want to see a new RFP for a hotel.

The EDC committee contributes to the problem by not being explicit about their intentions. They don't publish minutes of their meetings. They don't spend a few minutes explaining the process which would save them time in the long run (not everyone knows their process). Further, to have a Town Councilor state that the Town Council is not aware of the RFP responses (while technically correct) is stretching it as the EDC is officially made up of four Town Councilors and other Councilors tend to participate in the meetings. 

The EDC is a subcommittee of the Town Council. It will review and make a recommendation to the Council. The Town Council then as a whole will have an opportunity to discuss the matter before making a decision. Depending upon the nature of the discussion and decision to be made a public hearing made be required, or it may simply be an agenda item on a regular Council meeting. If the public hearing is required, there are notification requirements to be met.

Is the EDC really going back out with a new RFP? Was one of the developers asked to redo their proposal? It would be good to know. We'll find out some day if and when the minutes of the meeting are published. I do know experience that if it is the intent to go back out with a new RFP, that would require both an EDC vote and a Town Council vote. The Council met for the only time in August this Wednesday which means if there is to be a return, it won't happen anytime soon. 

The timing of the discussion and potential decisions also makes it highly likely that this sitting Council will not have the final say on the Pond St property. That would fall to the new Council decided on by the voters in the November election.

In other matters covered during the Wednesday meeting:

  • The rezoning for Dean Ave had its first public hearing. This seems to be a good move despite the convoluted and confusing answer I received about the potential tax revenue implications of the change from commercial to residential. I'll need to watch the video recording when it is posted (as of Saturday morning (8/8/15 - 7:00 AM), it was not yet made available).
  • The manager of the liquor license for Incontro  was acknowledged as changed. 
  • The Town Council approved a measure that will be on the November ballot asking the Franklin voters to approve NOT taxing farm animals and equipment. Apparently, the Town has neglected to do so for 25 years and in order to be compliant and officially not tax, they need the voters approval. If we fail to approve, it will cost more to implement the tax than the revenue would be received from it.
  • There was an update on the Community Opportunity Grant which will enable some funds for refurbishment of homes for folks who meet the income qualifications.
  • Town Clerk Debbie Pellegri provided an update on the timeline and process running up to the Town Election on November 3rd.
  • The purchase of the building and land at 275 Beaver was completed. An eminent domain process was also initiated to ensure the town has full and clear rights to the land for the records. Renovation of the building has begun. The funds for the sale of the building were the proceeds from the sale of Emmons St and other 'open space' funds available to Franklin.

The Thompson Press building - proposed to be rezoned from commercial to residential
The Thompson Press building - proposed to be rezoned from commercial to residential


For the full set of notes as I was reporting live from the meeting:

"Franklin Liquors was voted the Readers Choice for Best Liquor Store in Franklin"


State Sen. Richard Ross recently visited Franklin Liquors, a family-owned business that has been providing high-grade wine, beer and liquor products to its customers for over 30 years. 
Franklin Liquors is run by lifelong Franklin residents Mark and Mike Lenzi. In 2014 and 2015, Franklin Liquors was voted the Readers Choice for Best Liquor Store in Franklin and the 16 town region. 
“With a strong online presence and an emphasis on wine education, Franklin Liquors has consistently redefined what it means to shop smartly and locally,” said Ross. “Over the past three decades, Mark and Mike have taken their business and expanded, making it not just a great place to buy fine wine, but a place to discuss, learn and grow as a community. “

Continue reading the article here (subscription maybe required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150807/NEWS/150807498/1994/NEWS

image from Franklin Liquors webpage
image from Franklin Liquors webpage
#shopFranklin

News from Norfolk County Registry of Deeds



Norfolk County Registry of Deeds

Register O'Donnell Sees Continued Improvement in Norfolk County Real Estate Market

Pointing to statistics that showed both increases in real estate sales and mortgage financing for the past month of July, Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell reported that the Norfolk County real estate market is continuing to move in the right direction.

Register O'Donnell noted, "For the month of July, the total number of deeds recorded increased 9% compared to July of 2014. I believe these results stem from an improved economy and buyers eager to invest in Norfolk County real estate." Elaborating further, O'Donnell stated, "The total dollar volume of residential and commercial real estate sales increased by 13% to $1.08 billion and the average sale price of property increased a modest 3% to $752,941."

Other positive Norfolk County real estate trends that continued in July 2015, as compared to the previous July, was the performance of the mortgage market, as 2,948 mortgages were recorded, a 13% increase, along with a 25% rise in mortgage financing. "Homeowners continue to take advantage of improved equity in their properties along with low interest rates to obtain financing for home improvements, family educational expenses and other critical needs," noted the Register.

One continuing cause for concern, however in Norfolk County, was foreclosures. A total of 22 foreclosure deeds were filed during July, a 38% increase from July, 2014. "This increase was the result of lending institutions continuing to work through a backlog of foreclosures resulting from the economic downturn of 2008. Another sobering figure was the 65 notices to foreclose filed in July 2015 compared to 50 recorded in the previous July. Notice to Foreclose Mortgage is the first step in the foreclosure process. These numbers remind us that some of our neighbors continue to face financial challenges," said O'Donnell.

The Registry continues to partner with Quincy Community Action Programs at (617) 479-8181 x-376 and Neighbor Works Southern Mass at (508) 598-0950 to help anyone who has received a Notice to Foreclose from a lender. Another option for homeowners is to call the Massachusetts Attorney General's HomeCorps program at (617) 573-5333.

On the consumer front, homestead recording activity increased 11% in July compared to one year ago. Homestead recording provides for limited protection against the forced sale of an individual's primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000.

Register O'Donnell concluded, "There is no question July 2015 was a solid month for real estate activity in Norfolk County. An improved economy, eager buyers and low interest rates were all key components that drove the market. However, two points of caution: I agree with industry observers who have stated the need for increased housing inventory to sustain real estate growth and I also continue to be concerned about the potential negative impact on real estate activity of the Federal Reserve increasing interest rates."

To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, "like" us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds.

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High Street, Dedham, is the principal office for real property in Norfolk County. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101, or on the web at www.norfolkdeeds.org.


Register William P. O'Donnell
Norfolk County Registry of Deeds

phone: 781-234-3336

Forward email




Norfolk County Registry of Deeds | 649 High Street | Dedham, | MA | 02026-1831

screen grab of Norfolk County Deeds webpage
screen grab of Norfolk County Deeds webpage

125,000 kids in eastern MA have a secret: Hunger


THE GREATER BOSTON FOOD BANK
Dear Neighbor

When Jack and Sara leave school at the end of the day, they carry an embarrassing secret: there's not enough food at home, and hunger makes it hard to study or sleep.

Like so many in eastern Massachusetts, Jack and Sara's family is unable to put enough food on the table. But fortunately, once a month, families like theirs get relief from our School-Based Pantry program that allows them to select from a variety of fresh, healthy food to help make ends meet.

Our School-Based Pantry program is just one of the many child-focused programs that can help End Hunger Here in eastern Massachusetts, and that's why I'm asking for your help today.

Please donate now to help keep our programs going for children like Jack and Sara.
Today, more than 125,000 children like Jack and Sara face hunger in eastern Massachusetts, but with your help we can ensure every child gets the wholesome food they need to learn, grow and thrive.

Thank you for giving today.

Sincerely,
Catherine D'Amato
President and CEO
The Greater Boston Food Bank
Send this email to a friend and make an even bigger difference.
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In the News: Tri-County Adult Ed, tax free weekend


Registration is now open for the Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical School District’s fall 2015 continuing education courses. 
Course offerings include basic cake decorating, how to start a profitable business, Social Media 101, archery, Kripalu yoga and a three-course home improvement course. 
The school also offers industry certification courses that include electrical apprentice training, plumbing apprentice training, OSHA 30 Hour training and ServSafe certification.
Tri-County Adult Education
Tri-County Adult Education
Course and registration info here
https://registration.xenegrade.com/tri-county/categorySearch.cfm?category=1

Continue reading the article here (subscription maybe required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150807/NEWS/150807505/1994/NEWS


Gov. Charlie Baker on Thursday morning signed into law the bill suspending the state's 6.25 percent sales tax for most purchases that weekend. 
"This tax-free weekend is not only an opportunity to save a few dollars for consumers, but it's also an opportunity for people to buy local and keep more business here in the Commonwealth," Baker said, citing a Retailers Association of Massachusetts report that showed the sale tax holiday boosts retail by over $100 million. 
The sales tax will still apply to sales of telecommunications items, tobacco products, motor vehicles, motorboats, gasoline, electricity, meals and items priced at more than $2,500.
Continue reading the article here (subscription maybe required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150806/NEWS/150807938/1994/NEWS

Friday, August 7, 2015

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 8/7/15 - THU 8/13/15

FRIDAY 8/7/15
12-6pm   Franklin Farmers Market at The Town Common
1pm   Family Sing-along with Jamie Barrett at Franklin Public Library
6:30pm   Art Night Uncorked at Franklin Art Center
8-9:50pm   Frozen Friday DJ Public Skate at Pirelli Arena

SATURDAY 8/8/15
1pm   Zentangle Workshop at Franklin Art Center

MONDAY 8/10/15
10:30am   Mike The Hatman at Franklin Public Library
1pm   Drop In Craft at Franklin Public Library

TUESDAY 8/11/15
10:30am   Get Ready For Kindergarten (ages 3-5) at Franklin Public Library
6:30pm   Drawing Superheroes, Manga and Other Heroes at Franklin Public Library (grades 6-12)
7:30pm   Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee Monthly Meeting at the Franklin YMCA, public welcome.

WEDNESDAY 8/12/15
10:30am   Incredible Insects with Kevin Kopczynski at Franklin Public Library
1pm  Stories of the Night Sky with Kevin Kopczynski at Franklin Public Library
6pm   Concerts on The Common: Westwood Swing Band, Children's Program: Storyteller Elaine Kessler
7pm   Franklin Coalition on Opioid Abuse - 2nd Meeting. Guest speaker: Dr. John F. Kelly, the director of the Addiction Recovery Management Service at Mass General Hospital

THURSDAY 8/13/15
10:30am   Story and Craft (ages 3-6) at Franklin Public Library
1pm   Wii Club Franklin Public Library
6-10pm Feast of St. Rocco

For all the Town of Franklin Public Meetings click HERE.

For event details click HERE.

For FPL Summer Programs details click HERE

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

Don't forget family movie night is Aug 21

Don't forget family movie night is happening in a couple weeks on Friday, August 21st. 
Come meet and interact with your favorite, live toy story characters and watch the Toy Story movie on the Beaver Pond field!!! 
The movie will begin at dusk, but come anytime after 6:30 to play with sporting equipment, get hair streaking, enjoy cupcakes, goodies and treats, and of course meet the characters!  
The vendor marketplace will be open at 6:30, characters arriving at 7:00, and movie starting at dusk. 
We hope to see you there!!!!!! 

Movie Night - Beaver Pond - Aug 21
Movie Night - Beaver Pond - Aug 21
You can follow the event on Facebook here:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1466436143653149/


Finally, a Top 50 that has Franklin Schools

Via the Westwood Patch, the radar reveals:
"Niche.com, a national research group started by Carnegie Mellon University, recently released its 2015 list of school districts with the best teachers throughout the nation, as well as the commonwealth of Massachusetts."

The Top 50 listing for teachers has Franklin in the 14th position for MA.
top 50


"Here is a look at the commonwealth’s 50 school districts as ranked by Niche.com
  1. Westwood Public Schools
  2. Newton Public Schools
  3. Lexington Public Schools
  4. Northboro-Southboro Regional School District
  5. Westford Public Schools
  6. Acton-Boxborough Regional School District
  7. Lincoln-Sudbury Regional School District
  8. Masconomet Public Schools
  9. Brookline Public Schools
  10. Needham Public Schools
  11. Braintree Public Schools
  12. Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School District
  13. Shrewsbury Public Schools
  14. Franklin Public Schools
  15. Cambridge Public Schools"

Click through to https://k12.niche.com/ to explore the other listings

Franklin Election: Who are the candidates?

As of Thursday, Aug 6, 2015 the current listing as provided by Town Clerk Debbie Pellegri is as follows:


NAME ADDRESS POSITION
W.Kenneth  Norman 18 Daniels St. Assessor
Philip M. Brunelli 26 James Street Bd. Of Health
John S. Power 211 Union St. Constable
Philip M. Brunelli 26 James Street Constable
Kenneth B. Hiscoe, III 19 Red Gate Lane School Com.
Trevor A. Clement 9 Secret Garden Ln School Com.
Vanessa A. Bilello 5 Symphony Dr. School Com.
Diane M. Padula-O'Neill 102 Pine Street Town Clerk
Elizabeth F. Simon 6 Monterey Dr. Town Clerk
Paul J. Cheli 6 Pearly Lane Town Clerk
Teresa M. Burr 27 Brushwood Hill Town Clerk
Brett S. Feldman 37 Meadowbrook Rd. Town Council
Deborah L. Pellegri 181 Pleasant St Town Council
Glenn F. Jones 172 School St. Town Council
James D. Schultz, Jr. 21 MacKintosh Street Town Council
Judith Pond Pfeffer 37 Arlington St. Town Council
Peter E. Padula 14 Fort Apache Dr. Town Council
Richard W. Power, Sr. 10 Royal Ct Town Council
Thomas D. Mercer 14 Mercer Lane Town Council

These folks have taken out papers to run for the position indicated, they have not yet turned them in to be certified as on the ballot. There is time for that according to the timeline shown below.

Thompson Press building, part of the property proposed to being rezoned for residential
Thompson Press building, part of the property proposed to being rezoned for residential

The time line leading to the election is as follows:


"You don't have to go to the North End to have an Italian festival"



On Monday, some of the St. Rocco's army of volunteers completed the task of setting up the food tents on the fairgrounds behind St. Mary’s school on the corner of Pleasant and Queen Streets. The site is caddy corner from St. Mary's Church at 1 Church Square on one side of the Franklin Town Common. 
This year's celebration, hosted by St. Mary's Parish, begins on Aug. 9 with the opening Mass. Carnival rides start on Thursday, Aug. 13; food booths and entertainment will be featured Friday, Aug. 14 through Sunday, Aug. 16. 
"The booths are all up, so that's done. Now we need to get the electricians in there," said Peter Brunelli, one of the St. Rocco's patriarchs who has been involved with the event for many years as a co-chairman of the St. Rocco's Feast Committee.
Continue reading the article here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150805/NEWS/150808112/1994/NEWS


overall schedule for the Feast of  St Rocco  2015
overall schedule for the Feast of  St Rocco  2015

entertainment schedule for the Feast of St Rocco  2015
entertainment schedule for the Feast of St Rocco  2015
food for the Feast of St Rocco  2015
food for the Feast of St Rocco  2015
Additional information on the St Rocco Feast can be found on the St Mary's Parish page   http://www.stmarysfranklin.org/93

or on the Facebook page here  https://www.facebook.com/events/1434885293487700/

ASMS 6-7-8th grade supply lists



August Greetings,
Please find attached the recommended Supply Lists for incoming sixth, seventh and eighth grade students. 
Be on the look out for the first edition of Sully's Salutations for the 2015-2016 School Year. 
Enjoy the rest of August!

Warm regards,

Ms. Wittcoff
ASMS Principal


Keller Sullivan school sign
Keller Sullivan school sign

6th

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczYVhvMVMxdVZMWmtLTWRYYjhYczkzdDV6Y2I4/view?usp=sharing

7th

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczaGlSRkdjcDcwQU9kOVdMdDFEVzEtcnFkdFhN/view?usp=sharing

8th

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczNlFmUzlIMXhobnFMS2xNclp3a0VLZTdiSlBN/view?usp=sharing


Thursday, August 6, 2015

Additional Enrollment Lottery at BFCCPS for Grades Seven and Eight


Hi Steve,
A limited number of spaces are available for students to join the seventh and eighth grade classes at the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School beginning in September 2015. 
Applications can be completed online and are also available in the front office. All applications must be received by no later than September 3, 2015 at 8 AM. 
Learn more at www.bfccps.org or contact Joanne Basile at jbasile@bfccps.org. Applications have already been posted online and can be found at: http://bfccps.org/about/enrollment/

Benjamin Franklin Charter School
Benjamin Franklin Charter School

Representative Roy: What's happening in the district - July-August 2015 newsletter



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FY16 budget passes, vetoes overridden

Last week, I joined my colleagues to take final action on the FY16 budget to enhance support for Massachusetts residents and municipalities, and ensure that local programs, education funding, and economic development initiatives are well funded by the legislature. With this budget the Legislature extended its track record of making responsible and innovative investments that will continue to move Massachusetts forward.

Through the FY16 budget, the Legislature advanced its standing as the national leader in education for students of all ages. Recognizing the importance of providing statewide access to full-day kindergarten the Legislature overrode a cut to kindergarten expansion grants, reaffirming its support for funding in the amount of $18.6 million. We also took action to emphasize our ongoing dedication to higher education, restoring cuts to the University of Massachusetts, state universities and community colleges.

Recognizing that education and economic development are intrinsically paired, the budget enhances the Legislature's focus on bolstering job opportunities for residents of all skillsets in diverse regions of the Commonwealth. Following action on the Administration's vetoes, the below programs are now funded:
  • MassCAN: $1.7 million to establish widespread, progressive computer science curriculum in public school through a public-private match program;
  • Talent Pipeline: $1.5 million to encourage young innovators to get a head start on their futures by matching stipends for interns at innovation start-ups, and to provide mentoring opportunities for new entrepreneurs;
  • STEM Starter Academy: $4.75 million to promote STEM careers at the Commonwealth's community colleges;
  • Mass Tech Collaborative: $750K for the Mass Tech Collaborative Tech and Innovation Entrepreneurship program to establish entrepreneur and startup mentoring.
Travel and tourism, one of the state's largest industries, provides an opportunity for communities to bolster their economies in a way which is unique and appropriate for each region. The Legislature restored $5.17 million in cuts to the Office of Travel and Tourism and $2.37 million to the Massachusetts Cultural Council.    

Local Aid is one of the biggest hurtles the Legislature has to overcome each budget season. In that vein, I am happy to report that the Legislature also included hundreds of thousands of dollars of additional local aide for Franklin and Medway as follows:
  • $50,000 to assist the Town of Franklin to construct a park which would include a statue of Horace Mann, the father of public education; 
  • $50,000 to assist the S.A.F.E. Community Coalition to combat the ongoing opioid crisis in the area;
  • $60,000 for Franklin and $60,000 for Medway to purchase and install solar powered school zone lights to address public safety concerns;
  • $44,000 for stormwater management oversight in the town of Medway;
  • $35,000 to improve emergency medical service response in open space locations in the town of Medway; and
  • $200,000 for for affordable housing in Medway.
As always, I thank you for he opportunity to serve and I urge you to contact me with any questions about the budget or any other matter.


Copyright © 2015 State Rep Jeff Roy, All rights reserved.
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In the News: Children Center Open House, state funding restored


Dean College Children’s Center, 144 School St., will host an open house from 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 4. 
Parents of children 2-6 years old are invited to bring their child to explore and learn about the school. 
Applications will be accepted for five-day morning, two-day morning and three-day morning preschool programs, and the four-day Pre-K program. Preschool begins on Sept. 14.
Continue reading the article in the Milford Daily News (subscription maybe required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150805/NEWS/150808259/1994/NEWS


State Sen. Karen Spilka, D-Ashland, chairwoman of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, said restoring the cuts was driven by a desire to help the state's municipalities. 
"In working closely with local officials, I hear, almost on a daily basis, about town needs," she said. 
One key override, Spilka said, would provide $50,000 for the town's new substance abuse coalition. 
"Substance abuse, particularly opioid abuse, is rampant in the state," she said. "I thought it was important."
Continue reading the article in the Milford Daily News (subscription maybe required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150805/NEWS/150808212/1994/NEWS

In the News: rezoning Dean Ave property, fund raising for helmets, host family 'fresh air'


The Town Council Wednesday night discussed rezoning six parcels of land along Dean Avenue to encourage the development of multi-family housing.The land had been zoned for industrial use, said Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting. 
"It's basically the Thompson Press building," he said. "If approved, this would allow for the development of condominiums or apartments."Nutting said the Planning Board recommended the change.

Continue reading the article in the Milford Daily News (subscription maybe required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150805/NEWS/150808139/1994/NEWS


After a helmet saved the life of 3-year-old Liam Stoltz last week, he and his family are hoping they can help save the lives of others.Liam escaped serious injury last Thursday morning when a covered trailer he was riding in that was attached to his father’s bicycle was run over by a Jeep Cherokee on Sanford Street in Medway, not far from their Franklin home.

Continue reading the article in the Milford Daily News (subscription maybe required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150805/NEWS/150808182/1994/NEWS

For anyone who has ever thought about serving as a host family, the Grahams of Franklin said sharing their home has created a life-long friendship with someone they may not have otherwise crossed paths with. 
“We have gotten as much if not more out of the program than Audrey has,” said Colleen Graham.

Continue reading the article in the Milford Daily News (subscription maybe required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150806/NEWS/150808111/1994/NEWS

Wednesday, August 5, 2015

Live reporting: Legislation for action through to closing


J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 15-48: Voter Approval – Farm Equipment, Farm Animals
motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0 (via roll call)

we have not enforced it and would like to get away from it, we'd like to get the vote to NOT do this
it would cause more to collect the tax than it would bring in

Padula - speaking for the proposal, had visited Hoffman Farm and wasn't aware of the CSA program

Dellorco - had stopped down by Akin Bak, they don't have much time to make money

Cerel - I have had comments about the stilted way this is written, it follows the statue itself and thus it is the way it needs to be. We'll just need to educate the community accordingly.


2. Resolution 15-49: Confirmatory Order of Taking – Land at 275 Beaver Street
motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0 (via roll call)

formal notice on the land transfer for the new Recreation Dept building/land
land transaction had already been sold, this is to ensure that we really do have a clear title for the future

Dellorco - I am on the Recreation Committee and we have great plans for this property

3. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 15-750: Zoning Map Changes from Industrial to General Residential V District in an Area on or Near Dean Ave – 1st Reading
motion to move to second reading, seconded, passed 8-0

the second hearing would be held in Sep


4. Bylaw Amendment 15-751: Changes to Chapter 181, Wetlands Protection – 1st Reading
motion to move to second reading, seconded, passed 8-0

simplifies the process per the Conservation Commission, sending to the ConCom and DPW only required, all other distribution requirements will be handled internally

5. Resolution 15-50: Ratification Franklin Police Association Contract
motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0

substitute page 25 was added, motion needs to include the substitute page
motion made 'as amended"

2% cost of living for 3 years
it is a win-win for all concerned


6. Resolution 15-51: Ratification Franklin Police Sergeants Association Contract
motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0

page 18 was amended to correct the same typo referenced in the prior notice
motion was amended

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
meeting every other Tuesday on downtown
low and behold, Main St was closed today without notice to anyone
including those at the meeting yesterday
paving Main St north of Emmons
milling Emmons soon
don't have a permit from the T to do the work on the bridge yet

light poles are being re-positioned
48" required for ADA, 60" was requested to enable cleaning of the sidewalks in the winter

re-using the older granite curbing on High St instead of the new granite

Rec building goal to be out by Nov
get office relocated

if you missed the demo of the portables at Davis Thayer
landscaping and sidewalks are being worked

a resident commented about drainage from the play ground

in about 4 weeks the bells will ring and schools will be open
drive carefully


L. OLD BUSINESS
DelCarte - supposed to start last week, should start the week of the 17th

issuing an RFP for an aquatic study through the Conservation Commission to ensure that if it was stocked, it would be successful. The Conservation Commission will be requested to bring info to the Council

Fire Marshall says there should be space to do so, would need to see the actual fireworks plan
other communities raise 20-25,000 to fund it


M. NEW BUSINESS
Bissanti - thanks for participating, it is on going process
we''ll make sure the notice gets out to you

Pfeffer - the Town Council hasn't seen the RFP's yet, it is still with the EDC

N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Pfeffer - letter from Bob Fahey

Pfeffer - I don;t know who takes care of the bridge with the flags

Mercer - taking down the portable, great job to the DPW
thank the Franklin Cultural Festival Committee for the 1st event
there were great things at multiple locations
at the Sculpture park, the Common, the high school, the BLACK BOX
it was a great five days, we learned a lot, some things to do and not to do
looking forward to the future

Feldman -
kudos to the participants in the PMC

Challenge has reached the top level of pricing, the program will end in Sep

Dellorco - Coaltion meeting Weds the 12
couple of support groups already started, we're the fastest that it has ever happen

Chief Howell passed away, heard late this afternoon


P. ADJOURN

motion to adjourn, passed 8-0


Clarification on the Pfeffer comments, the RFP s and decision is still with the EDC