Saturday, May 25, 2019

"I ask the citizens to thank the employees for the work they do"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"As the Town Council wraps up the fiscal 2020 budget, a prominent town official is wrapping up his career. 
Town Administrator Jeff Nutting attended his last Town Council meeting on Thursday night. He is officially entering retirement after 18 years in Franklin. 
During a farewell speech, he gave some insight into himself and how much he loved his job. He also offered some advice for the future and reminded everyone he’s still just a phone call away. 
Over a 43-year career working for multiple municipalities in a variety of positions, he said he was guided by countless mentors."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190525/franklin-town-administrator-jeff-nutting-says-farewell

after stepping down from the Administrator's seat, Jeff sat in the front row to listen to the accolades from the Town Council members
after stepping down from the Administrator's seat, Jeff sat in the front row to listen to the
accolades from the Town Council members

THE BLACK BOX presents The Racky Thomas Band - May 31

THE BLACK BOX, Franklin’s premier music, theater, and event venue, will present The Racky Thomas Band on Friday, May 31 at 8 pm. The Racky Thomas Band has been a torchbearer for the blues since its formation in 1995, when Thomas collaborated with bassist Todd Carson, guitarist Nick Adams, and drummer Ted Larkin to make a demo CD, and perform around the Boston area.

Racky Thomas has a vast repertoire of tunes – blues from world-class bluesmen, rocking electric blues, classic and obscure blues, and Racky Thomas blues including "Matchbox Blues", "Biscuit-Bakin' Woman", "Mona", "Sugar-coated Love", "Big Road Blues", "Hoochie-Coochie Man", and "Mojo Workin". This dynamic and truly entertaining band is a must see for not only blues enthusiasts, but for anyone who likes an uplifting, toe tapping, and booty shaking good time.

THE BLACK BOX is located at 15 W. Central St. in Franklin, MA and features a full bar. 

Tickets for The Racky Thomas Band can be purchased at www.theblackboxonline.com, by calling the box office at 508-528-3370, or at the door. Follow THE BLACK BOX on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.


For more about The Racky Thomas Band  https://www.rackythomas.com/

THE BLACK BOX presents The Racky Thomas Band - May 31
THE BLACK BOX presents The Racky Thomas Band - May 31

“I just realize how great the Franklin community and our friends are"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"After Jill Pisano’s ALS diagnosis about a year and a half ago, a group of family friends and high school students is determined to help her fight the disease and its increasing medical costs – in the form of dodgeball. 
The “Hope for Jill Pisano” Dodgeball Tournament will be held Saturday at the Horace Mann Middle School gym. Sponsored by the Random Smile Project of Franklin, the event plans to raise money for Pisano, a Franklin resident who was diagnosed in the fall of 2017 with ALS, according to her husband, Rob Pisano. The progressive, neurological condition, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, affects the nerve cells that control voluntary muscle movement. It currently has no cure. 
Even while battling the “terrible” disease, his wife showed she is “just an unbelievable person with unbelievable strength,” Rob Pisano said."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190524/dodgeball-tourney-to-raise-money-for-franklin-family

More info on the tournament on the Random Smile page
https://www.randomsmile.org/wiffle/dodgeball

DODGEBALL TOURNEY - May 25 - benefit Jill Pisano
DODGEBALL TOURNEY - May 25 - benefit Jill Pisano

FHS boys tennis tops Bishop Feehan 4-1

Via HockomockSports, we share the results of the FHS sports action on Friday, May 24, 2019.

Softball = Franklin, 0 vs. Bridgewater-Raynham, 1 – Final

Boys Tennis = Franklin, 4 @ Bishop Feehan, 1 – Final
– Franklin won three matches in straight sets and one more in a super tiebreaker to take care of Feehan. Rohan Herur won 6-1, 6-2 at second singles while Lucas Gulick picked up a 6-2, 6-0 win at second singles. The team of Saketh Saripalli and Vayshnav Malhotra earned a 6-1, 6-4, and the second doubles team of Saket Gandham and Shoyaib Shaik rallied for a 4-6, 7-5, 10-8 win.

Girls Tennis = Franklin vs. Bishop Feehan, 4:00


For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-05-24-19/


FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

Global Running Day - Make a pledge to run - June 5

Make your own pledge to run on June 5 2019 at globalrunningday.org. While you’re there, learn how your kids can be part of the Million Kid Run.

globalrunningday.org
globalrunningday.org

Franklin Police Media Release, Westerly Apartments Incident

"On May 24th, 2019 at approximately 3:30 PM Franklin Police responded to the Westerly Apartments on West Central Street for a report of suspicious activity. A young female reported that an older black male, with dreadlocks, operating a brown jeep with a loud exhaust approached her, and attempted to lure her to the vehicle. The young female refused and was not harmed during the incident. The vehicle then left the area.

Franklin Police detectives are conducting an investigation at this time. If anyone was in the area and has more information, they are asked to contact the Franklin Police at 508-528-1212"


This is an automatic message from Town of Franklin MA. You can subscribe to receive your notifications directly  https://www.franklinma.gov/subscribe


Franklin Police Media Release, Westerly Apartments Incident
Franklin Police Media Release, Westerly Apartments Incident

MA State Senate Passes FY 2020 Budget

After adding $74.4 million in additional funding to its original proposal during three days of deliberations, the Massachusetts State Senate passed a $42.8 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2020. The final budget makes targeted investments in education, transportation and mental health services, among other priorities.

"I would like to express my deepest appreciation to the members of the Senate for their kindness, thoughtfulness, willingness to work collaboratively, and commitment to service during this entire budget process," said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "Together, we worked hard to produce a fiscally responsible budget that reflects our Senate values."

"I am proud of the collaborative process that the Senate employed this week, my first budget debate as Chair. Through robust debate, we made further investments across several key areas including substance use treatment and supports, civics education, security upgrades at non-profits, and suicide prevention," said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. "Through respectful and thoughtful deliberation, and under the leadership of Senate President Spilka, the Senate has passed a budget that reflects our commitment to ensuring equity and boldly moving Massachusetts forward. Thank you to my colleagues in the Senate for their many steps passionate advocacy over the course of our debate."

The most notable area of investment is in K-12 public education funding. The Senate budget funds Chapter 70 at $5.176B, an increase of $268.4M over FY 2019. This funding level is the largest year-over-year increase in public education funding in 20 years, and also represents a significant down payment to fully fund the recommendations of the Foundation Budget Review Commission (FBRC) through focusing on school districts with the most pressing costs related to low-income students in economically disadvantaged communities, employee health benefits, special education, and English language learners. This level of investment also allows for a minimum aid increase of at least $30 per pupil over FY 2019 for every school district across the state, as well as 100% effort reduction to bring all school districts to their target local contribution.

Education funding also gets a boost through $345 million to fully fund the Special Education Circuit Breaker and reimburse school districts for the cost of educating students with disabilities at the statutorily required 75% reimbursement rate; $75.8 million to reimburse school districts for regional school transportation costs, including an additional $2 million added through the amendment process; and $100 million to reimburse school districts for costs incurred when students leave to attend charter schools. Funding for public higher education includes $558 million for the University of Massachusetts, $293.2 million for the state's fifteen community colleges, and $274 million for the nine state universities.

"After a week of productive and substantive debate and discussion with my Senate colleagues, I am more confident than ever that the Senate's budget for Fiscal Year 2020 will meaningfully address many of the Commonwealth's greatest collective needs," said Senator Jason Lewis (D-Winchester), Assistant Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means and Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Education. "I'm especially pleased that this budget makes substantial new investments in education, reflecting the Senate's longstanding commitment to supporting public education and laying the groundwork for the Massachusetts Legislature to update the Commonwealth's school funding formula and ensure that every school district is adequately and equitably funded."

The Senate budget funds MassHealth at a total of $16.55 billion to maintain access to affordable health care coverage for over 1.8 million people and ensure comprehensive care for children, seniors and low income residents. Cost containment measures included providing MassHealth with additional tools to tackle the rapidly growing cost of pharmaceutical drugs by permitting the Secretary of Health and Human Services to directly negotiate for rebates or cost effective payment arrangements with pharmaceutical manufacturers. The budget also explores new and creative cost savings initiatives for MassHealth to purchase prescription drugs and requires greater transparency from pharmacy benefit managers. The budget also includes $10 million for a new behavioral health outreach, access and support trust fund to support a loan forgiveness initiative for behavioral health workers and a general public awareness campaign to further the Senate's priority to increase access to mental health care.

"This Senate budget reflects our strong commitment to increasing access to quality, affordable health care, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to receive a quality education, and expanding access to behavioral health services," said Senator Cindy F. Friedman, Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means and Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing. "As our state continues to grapple with the opioid crisis, I'm especially proud that this budget makes strong investments in mental health treatment and harm reduction initiatives to ensure more resources for families and their loved ones. I want to sincerely thank Chair Rodrigues and Senate President Spilka for their leadership, hard work, and collaboration during this process and for facilitating a thoughtful and efficient debate."

The Senate's budget includes a total of $42.8B in spending, a 3.2% increase over the Fiscal Year 2019 General Appropriations Act. The FY 2020 budget reduces reliance on the use of one-time revenue sources and directs $268M to the Stabilization Fund to continue to build the Commonwealth's financial safety net.

"This budget was the product of bipartisan input, debate, and adoption. It recognizes important Senate priorities such as public education, aid for cities and towns, health care, senior care, transportation, substance abuse and more while creating opportunities to increase efficiencies and reduce government costs," said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R- Gloucester). "We deposit more than $260 million into the Stabilization Fund, provide tools for MassHealth to pursue savings, probe the MBTA pension problem, respond to the growing skilled nursing home crisis, and we take steps to foster greater economic prosperity for all; this is a bold budget that avoids broad-based tax hikes and adheres to principles of fiscal discipline"

Additional education investments include:

· $2.5M for the Early Colleges program to allow students to earn college credits and get a head start on the transition to college, with $815K added on the floor
· $2M for grants offered through the Massachusetts Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment Initiative to support high school students with intellectual disabilities ages 18–22 with access to higher education opportunities
· $12M for grants to the Head Start program to maintain access to early education services for low-income families
· $7.5M for the Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative to expand access to preschool in underserved areas
· $6.5M for Youth-At-Risk Matching grants, including support for YWCAs, YMCAs and Boys & Girls Clubs, after adding $1.9M on the floor
· $2.5M for Rural School Aid , after adding $1M on the floor

Additional health care investments include:

· $150.2M for a range of substance abuse treatment and intervention services, including $3.5M in new funding to open five new recovery centers
· $5M for investments in the substance use disorder workforce, including training on medication management, medication-assisted treatment and treatment of co-occurring disorders
· $93.4M for children's mental health services, including $3.9M for the Massachusetts Child Psychiatric Access Program (MCPAP) and $675K for MCPAP for Moms to address mental health needs of pregnant and postpartum women
· $16.5M for Family Resource Centers to expand to new communities and meet increased demand for services
· $489M for Adult Support Services, including assisted outpatient programming and comprehensive care coordination among health care providers
· $25M to fully fund Department of Developmental Services Turning 22 services to help young people with disabilities transition to adulthood
· $5M for the coordination of a comprehensive statewide strategy, in partnership with municipalities, public health harm reduction organizations and other stakeholders, to promote existing harm reduction efforts and community-based harm reduction services
· $1M for the Healthy Relationship grants program to support teen dating violence prevention efforts, after adding $850K on the floor

The Senate's budget invests in programs and policies to educate, train, and prepare Massachusetts workers in order to provide them with opportunities to grow and succeed. Opportunity investments include:

· $38.5M for adult basic education services to improve access to skills and tools necessary to join the workforce
· $15.6M for summer jobs and work-readiness training for at-risk youth, after adding $1.2M on the floor
· $7M for the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund to connect unemployed and under-employed workers with higher paying jobs
· $2.5M for the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative Innovation Institute
· $2.5M for the Precision Manufacturing Program
· $2M for Small Business Technical Assistance grants
· $2M for the Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership
· $1M for Regional Economic Development Organizations to support economic growth in all regions of the state

The Senate's budget maintains the Senate's commitment to increasing access to quality, affordable housing, investing in low-income housing and homelessness services and supports. 

Housing investments include:

· $178.7M for Emergency Assistance Family Shelters, after adding $800K on the floor
· $110M for the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP)
· $48.3M for assistance for homeless individuals
· $30.8M for the HomeBASE diversion and rapid re-housing programs
· $21M for Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT), including $3M to continue expanding eligibility for individuals in need, including persons with disabilities, seniors, unaccompanied youth, after adding $1M on the floor
· $8M for the Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP) providing rental assistance to people with disabilities and $2.7M for grants to improve or create accessible affordable housing units
· $7.5M for rental subsidies to help those suffering from mental health find or maintain stable housing, after adding $1M on the floor
· $5M for housing and supportive services for unaccompanied homeless youth
· $2.9M for the Home and Healthy Good program, including $500K for a new housing program to support those experiencing homelessness who also have complex medical and behavioral health needs.

The FY 2020 budget furthers regional equity and supports cities and towns by directing significant resources to local and regional aid. This includes increased funding for Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs) to $90.5M and ties future funding to inflation, while incentivizing RTAs to adopt best practices to ensure that commuters, students, seniors and people with disabilities are able to rely on public transportation to access jobs, education and opportunity. In addition to traditional local aid, the Senate's budget increases payments in lieu of taxes (PILOT) for state-owned land to $30M. PILOT funding has been a beneficial source of local aid that provides cities and towns with additional resources to support core public services. 

Local investments include:

· $1.129B for unrestricted general government aid to support community investments in education, health care, public safety and roads and bridges
· $29.1M for the Board of Library Commissioners, $11.5M for regional library local aid, $9.9M for municipal libraries and $3.3M for technology and automated resources
· $18M for the Massachusetts Cultural Council to support local arts, culture and creative economy initiatives, after adding $1M on the floor
· $18.1M for local Councils on Aging to strengthen programs and services in senior centers in communities across the state, after adding $1.4M on the floor
· $11M for Shannon Grants, which are distributed to municipalities for youth gang violence prevention, after adding $2M on the floor

A Conference Committee will now convene to reconcile the differences between the Senate budget and the version passed by the House of Representatives in April. Fiscal Year 2020 begins on July 1, 2019.

For more on the Senate budget visit their web page
https://malegislature.gov/Budget/SenateDebate

https://malegislature.gov/Budget/SenateDebate
https://malegislature.gov/Budget/SenateDebate

Friday, May 24, 2019

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA: FRI - May 24 to THU - May 30

Friday, May 24
10:00am
 Knitting Group
10:30am
 Happy Feet!
3:30pm
 Chess Club for Kids
8:00pm
 Baxter Hall Trio with opener Dwayne Haggins
Saturday, May 25
10:00am
 Franklin Historical Museum (Always free)
10:30am
 Kids Art Class
Sunday, May 26
1:00pm
 Franklin Historical Museum (always free)
Monday, May 27
 Memorial Day
10:30am
 Memorial Day Parade
Tuesday, May 28
9:30am
 Cool Cruisers
10:30am
 Get Ready for Kindergarten
6:00pm
 Stay for a Stitch! (All Ages)
7:00pm
 School Committee
7:00pm
 Franklin Public Library Book Club
Wednesday, May 29
10:30am
 Terrific Toddlers
11:00am
 Toddler Playgroup
Thursday, May 30
9:30am
 Baby Tummy Time
10:30am
 Story & Craft
4:00pm
 Franklin Historical Museum (always free)
6:00pm
 Volunteens
6:30pm
 Genealogy Club Meeting

For the interactive version, please visit
For the Town of Franklin Public Meeting Calendar
http://www.franklinma.gov/calendar

Submit an event for the Community Calendar, please use this link

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA: FRI - May 24 to THU - May 30
Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA: FRI - May 24 to THU - May 30

FHS baseball, boys lacrosse, and boys tennis teams all post wins

Via HockomockSports, we share the results of the FHS sports action on Thursday, May 23, 2019.


Baseball = Franklin, 12 vs. Hopkinton, 6 – Final
– After Hopkinton scored two runs in the top of the sixth inning to make it a one-run game, Franklin responded with six runs in the bottom half to pull away from the Hillers and earn the win. Scott Elliott had a big day at the plate with four hits, four runs, and two RBI while Jack Nally (two runs, walk), Jake Macchi (run, three RBI), and Jake Fitzgibbons each had two hits for Franklin. Senior Alex Haba added an RBI and a run scored. Ben Guzman earned the win in relief, allowing two runs on three hits and a walk, striking out four in 4.2 innings. Will Pacheco earned the save with one run allowed on two hits and two strikeouts in 1.1 innings.

Boys Lacrosse = Franklin, 12 @ Longmeadow, 7 – Final
– Franklin went on the road and picked up a marquee victory over Western Mass. powerhouse Longmeadow, who have won four straight sectional titles. Jake Davis led the way with a hat trick and three assists, Nitin Chaudhury also scored a hat trick and had an assist, and Ben Greco scored twice for the Panthers, who jumped ahead 7-3 at half. Will Davis had 12 saves while FHS coach Lou Verocchi noted his defense had a strong performance, limiting the Lancers to four goals through three quarters.

Boys Tennis = Oliver Ames, 0 @ Franklin, 4 – Final
– Franklin won two singles matches and swept doubles play to beat Oliver Ames and secure at least a share of the Kelley-Rex division title. Sophomore Liam Marr didn’t lose a game in a 6-0, 6-0 win at first singles while Rohan Herur dropped just two in a 6-1, 6-1 win at second singles. Franklin’s first doubles team of Saketh Saripalli and Shoumik Sompally won 6-0, 6-0 while the Panthers won by default at second doubles. The third singles match was called due to weather.


For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-05-23-19/


FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

2019 Annual Franklin Hockey Golf Tournament - July 21


When: Sunday, July 21
Where: New England Country Club
Time: 1 PM shotgun start

Come out for a day of Golf, Dinner, Prizes and Raffles to support Franklin Boys Hockey.

See attached flyer for Registration details and Hole Sponsorship Opportunities

2019 Annual Franklin Hockey Golf Tournament - July 21
2019 Annual Franklin Hockey Golf Tournament - July 21

"This capital issue is significant, and not going away"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The weather is warming, flowers are blooming and municipalities across the state are hosting Town Meetings, a form of local government dating back more than 300 years, which historically has given residents the opportunity to help decide on various issues related to local governance and spending. 
More recently, however, the scope of Town Meeting decisions has narrowed for many communities, and a lot of time is spent debating whether to fund new municipal projects, such as schools, libraries and senior centers. 
Approval of such projects typically translate into higher taxes for property owners, which advocates say is necessary to ensure dilapidating municipal buildings and outdated schools are safe and adequate for residents and children. 
Opponents, meanwhile, say the process is increasingly becoming a popular way for local governments to pay for projects that should otherwise be affordable within existing municipal budgets, especially at a time when local coffers are growing with the recent surge of new development and rising property values realized across the state."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190522/prop-2-12-overrides-disappearing-but-taxpayers-still-pay

Editor's Note: An override is always a sensitive topic but we need to change that perception and have a real conversation about how we want to live here in Franklin. What services do we need? How should we support our schools? Repair our roads? 

The School Committee held Legislative Forums in both February 2018 and 2019 to start the conversation on some of the systemic problems that the State needs to correct. The Town Council chose not to include us in the public conversation until the second budget hearing. 

Next year is predicted to be another budget challenge. We need to have the conversation regularly from now until the budget cycle starts again. When we get together for the Strawberry Festival, the 4th of July, and other public events, part of the conversation should be around how we support ourselves.

Kit Brady speaking for better funding for schools and our children
Kit Brady speaking for better funding for schools and our children






FTC Alert: Make it a scam-free vacation




FTC Alert: Make it a scam-free vacation
by Lisa Lake
Consumer Education Specialist, FTC


It's almost summer! Right now, you probably have beaches on the brain or you're thinking about that long-planned trip abroad. Before you head out, take steps to help keep your dream vacation from becoming a nightmare:

Read more
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2019/05/make-it-scam-free-vacation?utm_source=govdelivery


This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

Thursday, May 23, 2019

Real time Reporting: Town Council - Budget Hearing #2 - May 23, 2019

Present: Hamblen, Casey, Dellorco, Kelly, Mercer, Jones, Padula, Pellegri, Earls 
Absent: none


Agenda ItemSummary

1. HEARINGSFY 2020 Budget Hearing: 7:10 PM


2. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
2a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 19-32: Adoption of FY2020 Budget (Motion to Move Resolution 19-32 - Two Thirds Majority Vote (6))

2b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 19-33: Amendment to FY2020 Budget (Motion to Move Resolution 19-33- Majority Vote (5))

3. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORTJeff Nutting's final report

"there are two kinds of people those who do the work and those who take the credit, be in the first group, there are less people."

hard work, passion, ethics and sense of humor build success

many folks to thank

the list is endless, you don't get here by yourself

if you are at a meeting on time, you;re let

if you can't treat people with respect, you can't keep them happy

I have worked for 31 councilors and 10 different councils

"no government in the Commonwealth moves as fast as Franklin"

"I ask the citizens to thank the employees for the work they do"


Rep Jeff Roy presents a MA House resolution to Jeff Nutting in recognition of his 40+ years of public service


4. COUNCIL COMMENTSround of council comments recognizing Jeff and his accomplishments, dedication to community and service

18 years of service to Franklin

many thanks
a rare combination of vision and execution
5. ADJOURN

called to order at 'shortly after" 7:00 o'clock (meaning 7:10 PM)
public hearing called open at 7:11 PM

Q - will there be staffing at the Police and Fire dept with the regional dispatch in operation?

A - kiosk at both Police and Fire stations with dispatch moved to MECC, police will have someone on site 20 hours, no one at Fire outside of daytime hours (assuming not on a call).

Resident comment:

Kit Brady, Kimberly Ave
thanks to councilors and to personnel for doing more and more with less and less
experiencing a good boom, layoffs of teachers and parking for high school students being added

why are we in this situation? 
we as a community need to do better for our schools and community
collectively we as adults are setting a bad example

Mercer - the process is a good process, the schools started when we knew, we try very hard to make the community aware of the budget process and shortfalls. The final numbers are still in process and we don't have the final Chap 70 numbers today

I'll entertain motion to close the hearing
motion to close, seconded, pass 9-0


  • Resolution 19-32: Adoption of FY2020 Budget (Motion to Move Resolution 19-32 - Two Thirds Majority Vote (6))


motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0 (via roll call)


  • Resolution 19-33: Amendment to FY2020 Budget (Motion to Move Resolution 19-33- Majority Vote (5))

motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0 (via roll call - Jones recused)

(If you missed why there were two votes to pass one budget, visit
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/05/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-may-23.html)