Saturday, August 20, 2022

Lifelong Music Academy: 2022-2023 Registration Opens Monday, August 22

Our 2022-2023 after-school music classes will accept enrollments starting Monday August 22nd at 8:00 AM! Please click a program name for more information, calendars, and how to register.

The Band School of Franklin: For students in grades 4 through 9. Tuesday afternoons at Horace Mann Middle School from October 4, 2022 through May 2, 2023.  => https://www.franklinlifelonglearning.com/music_academy/after_school_band_program/index.php

Elementary Glee: For students in grades 3, 4 and 5. Thursday afternoons at Horace Mann Middle School from October 6, 2022 through May 4, 2023.  => https://cms5.revize.com/revize/franklinlifelong/music_academy/after_school_honors_chorus/index.php

The String School of Franklin: For students in grades 3 through 12. Monday afternoons at Horace Mann Middle School from October 3, 2022 through May 1, 2023.  =>  https://www.franklinlifelonglearning.com/music_academy/the_string_school/index.php

Private Music Lessons: For all ages. Monday through Thursday at Franklin High School from September 2022 through May 2023. Schedule varies by instrument. Enrollment is ongoing throughout the school year. Instruction is offered in the following instruments: Cello, Clarinet, Flute, French Horn, Guitar (acoustic, electric), Low Brass (baritone, euphonium, trombone, tuba), Saxophone, Trumpet, Viola, Violin.  => https://www.franklinlifelonglearning.com/music_academy/private_music_lesson_program/index.php

NOTE: Piano and Voice will hopefully be added soon; percussion is no longer offered.

On Monday 8/22 at 8:00 AM, click the SIGN UP button to be taken directly to our registration system!  =>   Register here
 
Lifelong Music Academy: 2022-2023 Registration Opens Monday, August 22
Lifelong Music Academy: 2022-2023 Registration Opens Monday, August 22

Annual Report Of The Franklin Senior Center - FY 2021

Note: FY 2021 is last year (July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021). The report was prepared to cover the business for the FY 2021 period. This year’s report FY 2022 (July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022) is in preparation now and is normally available for distribution at the polls for the November election.

The Franklin Senior Center is located at 10 Daniel McCahill Street and is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Center provides programs, services and activities along with outreach, information and referral to serve the needs of older adults, people with disabilities and their families. Social services assistance is available to all adult residents in Franklin.

The Senior Center offers health and wellness, nutrition, social service coordination, socialization, recreation, transportation, educational and cultural programs, a supportive day program, respite care and volunteer and intergenerational opportunities.

The Center’s mission is to enhance the independence and quality of life for Franklin’s older adults by:
Identifying the needs of this population and creating programs that meet those needs.
Offering the knowledge, tools and opportunities to promote mental, social and physical well-being.
Advocating for relevant programs and services in our community.
Serving as a community focal point for aging issues and as liaison to local, state and Federal resources for older adults.

Highlights
This year, despite our building being physically closed, we were able to keep seniors engaged by continuing many of our regularly scheduled activities virtually using the Zoom platform. These activities included Discussion Group, Senior Scribblers’ Writers Group, TOPS weight-loss, Book Club, Caregiver Support Group, and our Memory Cafe. The Supportive Day Program, which remained suspended, met online for a weekly social hour. Several new programs were created exclusively for Zoom including a weekly Quarantini Social Hour, a monthly game of Name that Tune, and Franklin Matters Q&A. We also offered a variety of fitness classes including Chair Exercise, Cardio, Strength & Balance, Mindful Meditation and Zumba Gold. These programs have been described by seniors as a lifeline during a time of isolation.

We received a grant from the Metrowest Health Foundation to start our, “Alexa Program.” In an effort to reduce social isolation among older adults, Alexa devices can be given to lonely, isolated seniors to use in their homes. Alexa is a voice-activated virtual assistant that can help connect seniors with the world and act as a companion. Staff assists with device set-up, training and ongoing support.

Health & Wellness Programs
Our Wellness Program promotes Healthy Aging through programs and services provided by our Health & Wellness Nurse including the following:
Health Clinics: Our Wellness Nurse was able to resume in-person Blood Pressure, Blood Sugar, and Pulse Ox readings with safety precautions in place, and a drive-thru flu clinic was held. Podiatry and Vision Screenings remained suspended.
Fall Prevention: Our Wellness Nurse offered a Safety & Balance video to address balance and muscle strength and offer techniques to enhance safety. In May, we resumed our Home Safety Assessments to evaluate elders’ homes to determine if their risk for dangerous falls can be reduced. If needed, our volunteer installed grab bars and or adaptive devices free of charge.
Fitness: We offer several classes tailored to older adults on Zoom including Cardio, Strength and Balance, Zumba Gold, and Chair Exercise. These classes along with Chair Yoga, Tai Chi and Line Dancing resumed in- person when the building reopened in June. The Center’s Fitness Room which offers free use of equipment, including a treadmill, stepper and several stationary bikes, remained closed this year.
Support: Support Groups offered include Low Vision, Hearing Loss, Weight Loss, Fibromyalgia and Caregivers Support. The Health & Wellness Nurse also offers one-on-one consultations. These consults were continued via remote or teleconference meetings as the building remained closed.
Mental Health Counseling: The Center is part of a consortium of local Senior Centers, which provides access to timely, flexible mental health services with a licensed clinician. This enables elders who experience mental health challenges to get effective, appropriate treatment. Counseling was offered online or by telephone during the closure.
Health Education: Monthly presentations were offered by our Health & Wellness Nurse, such as Signs and Symptoms of a Stroke, Five Wishes, Positive Psychology, Skin Changes, and Healthy Sleep.

Caregiver Support
The Senior Center provided the following programs to support caregivers and their loved ones:
Supportive Day Program provides a structured, stimulating day program for frail elders, and respite for their caregivers. Participants enjoy fun activities, socialization, gentle exercise and they share a meal in our Cafe. During the closure, our Coordinator remained in contact with clients and caregivers through Zoom gatherings, reassurance calls and email blasts.
Companion Caregivers is an affordable, in-home service that provides a trained, vetted companion for frail elders and respite to their caregivers. This program remained suspended this year.
Caregivers Support Group meets biweekly and is led by two facilitators who have completed a training program with the Alzheimer’s Association. This group was offered remotely during the closure via Zoom.
Memory Café - a monthly gathering where those living with dementia and their care partners can enjoy a social event without stress and anxiety. We were able to convert this meeting into a Zoom session during the closure, which is of great benefit to caregivers whose loved ones have been homebound due to the pandemic.
Powerful Tools for Caregivers, and The Savvy Caregiver training, both 6-week, evidence-based workshops were presented via Zoom by Tri-Valley Elder Services.
Lectures on Caregiving included Assistive Technology & Apps for Family Caregivers presented by the Alzheimer’s Association via Zoom.

Outreach/Social Service Coordination
The Senior Center provides assistance in obtaining housing, employment, home care services, tax abatements, long- term care placement, prescription drug programs, as well as food stamps, fuel assistance, Mass Health, and Supplemental Security Insurance. Our Social Service Coordinators can assist Franklin’s adult residents regardless of age, and can provide home visits to homebound residents. While our building was closed, our Social Service Coordinator continued to provide assistance with food resources, mental health referrals, caregiver assistance and reassurance via telephone.

Staff was also essential in providing outreach, information and assistance to seniors in the community regarding the Covid-19 vaccine. Staff assisted in making vaccine appointments, appointment pre-registration, scheduling transportation to appointments, and referrals to the state homebound vaccination program.

The Social Services Department supports older adults through our Low Vision and Hearing Loss Support Programs which provides support, information and referral and training in new technologies. During the closure, staff used a teleconference call for the Low Vision Support Group and an Audio Book Club that meets biweekly.

The Senior Center made referrals to SHINE (Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Everyone) program, which continued to provide assistance with health insurance issues over the telephone. AARP provided free income tax preparation at the Center for 70 individuals with strict safety protocols in place.

Nutrition
The Common Grounds Cafe, which is located inside the Center and offers breakfast and lunch daily, remained closed until the building reopened in June. Thanks to a grant from the CHNA 6 (Greater Milford Community Health Network), we were able to continue our Curbside Meal program. The Curbside Cafe, created in response to the pandemic, served a total of 4,390 freshly prepared meals curbside at the Senior Center to elders 60 years of age and older, as well as disabled residents.

Transportation
Transportation is a vital element to reduce social isolation and improve the quality of life for older adults. Franklin offers accessible transit services for elders and those with disabilities through GATRA, the Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority. This year, GATRA announced the start of their new on-demand service, GATRA Go United, which can be booked the same day by using an app, or by calling 1-800-698-7676.. This curb to curb service is available to all residents, regardless of age. GATRA provides out-of-town transportation for medical appointments in Boston, Providence, Framingham, Worcester and several other cities.

Cultural, Educational & Social Programs
Dr. Andrew Budson discussed his award-winning book, Seven Steps to Managing Your Memory via Zoom.
The Franklin Cultural Council sponsored 4 free outdoor concerts, featuring longtime Berklee College of Music Professors.
The Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office presented information on Scams, as well as their Yellow Dot program which provides EMTs with quick access to your medical and emergency contact information in the event of an accident.
Nantucket Ranger Allen Reinhard provided several video presentations about Nantucket followed by a live Q&A session via Zoom.
Soprano Singer Monica Spencer provided a Christmas sing-along outside in the parking lot.
Jim Johnston guided seniors virtually through a tour of the Franklin Historical Museum.
The Senior Center hosted several talks by Alan Earls, accompanied by a slideshow via zoom.
The Franklin Firefighters Association hosted a drive-thru luncheon for St. Patrick’s Day.
The Senior Center hosted A Night at the Wang, a virtual tour of the Wang Theater’s building.
Dean College offered opportunities for elders to audit several classes remotely and Dr. Jessica Pisani provided an Earth Day Lecture.

Recreational activities include: cards, board games, arts & crafts, bingo, pokeno, pool/billiards, movies, educational programs, a chorale group, and day trips. The Center also provided instruction and educational programs in the following:
Computer, Tablet & Smartphone Instruction
Italian & Spanish Conversation Group
Current Events Discussion Group
Wood Carving Instruction
Knitting & Quilting Instruction
Arts & Crafts Instruction
Writers Group – Senior Scribblers
Staged Readings/Senior Players
Book Discussion Group – The Page Turners
Cribbage Instruction
MahJong Instruction
Chess Instruction


Friends of Franklin Elders
The Friends of Franklin Elders, Inc. (FOFE) is a private, non-profit organization, which was founded to assist the Franklin Senior Center with supplemental funding for programs, services, and equipment. FOFE generously provided funding for entertainment for our social events, newsletter printing, grab bars, activity support and coffee expenses.

The Friends publish our monthly newsletter, The Franklin Connection, which is mailed directly to over 1,500 residents who request it and read online by 600 more. In partnership with the Benjamin Franklin Charter School, FOFE provided gift cards to 40 homebound elderly residents during the holiday season.

Tax Work-Off Program
Franklin offers a Tax Work-Off Program, which provides senior homeowners aged 60 and over with a credit of up to $1,200.00 off their real estate taxes for working in various town departments. The earnings are deducted from their real estate taxes, providing tax relief to elders, while supplying the town with skilled workers.

Volunteers
Volunteers are the backbone of the Senior Center and we are profoundly grateful for all their efforts. Volunteers offer assistance in our gift shop, café, as instructors, and in many other capacities. Unfortunately, as our building remained closed, many volunteer opportunities were lost and our annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon was again canceled. We are looking forward to welcoming back our volunteers next year and resuming our fun tradition of the Volunteer Recognition Luncheon.

Intergenerational Activities
The Franklin High School Honor Society hosted the annual Spring Fling as a drive-thru at the Senior Center this year. The students provided a delicious dinner to-go, as well as a gift bag.

The Knights of Columbus at St. Mary’s Church offered its third Pie Lottery to benefit older adults by requesting parishioners donate a pie to an elder. The parish donated 103 pies to elders at the Center who were very happy to receive them.

Amenities
Some further conveniences offered at the Senior Center include:
Hairdresser/Barber/Manicurist
Ben’s Bounty Gift Shop
Computer Lab
Free Medical Equipment Loans
Free Franklin Connection Newsletter
Free Use of Fitness Equipment
Low Vision devices, equipment, technology and training
Free Movies
Pool Table
Library

In Appreciation
The Franklin Council on Aging and Senior Center staff would like to recognize the dedication of Karen Alves who retired from the position of Senior Center Director after 19 years of service. Karen was an integral part of the growth and success of the center and worked tirelessly to enrich the lives of Franklin’s elder population. We wish her all the best in her retirement.

Respectfully Submitted, 

Erin Rogers
Senior Center Director


The full Annual Report for 2021 can be found

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/2021_annual_report.pdf


The collection of Annual Reports can be found online

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/pages/town-franklin-annual-reports


Annual Town Report Of The Town Clerk’s Office - FY 2021
Annual Report Of The Town of Franklin - FY 2021

Financial Audit Report for FY 2021

Note: FY 2021 is last year (July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021). The report was prepared to cover the business for the FY 2021 period. This year’s Annual Report FY 2022 (July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022) is in preparation now and is normally available for distribution at the polls for the November election.

Melanson and Heath presented the recent Audit Report for their review of Town of Franklin financial operations. The presentation and discussion occurred at the May 4, 2022 Town Council meeting. It was a clean report.

FY21 Annual Financial Audit - Melanson and Heath  

Audio of the Town Council meeting

Audio of my Town Council Quarterbacking session with Council Chair Tom Mercer

Congressman Auchincloss poses with Town Council, Town Administrator, and Town Clerk
Congressman Auchincloss poses with Town Council, Town Administrator, and Town Clerk at the May 4, 2022 meeting

Prior year audit report are found on the Town of Franklin page:

Friday, August 19, 2022

Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting - August 23, 2022 - 7 PM

School Committee Meeting

Municipal Building - Council Chambers (Virtual Link in Agenda)

For the full agenda document ->


Notice from the Office of the Town Clerk: Ballot/ Tabulator testing will take place August 24, 2022.

Notice from the Office of the Town Clerk: Ballot/ Tabulator testing will take place August 24, 2022.

Notice from the Office of the Town Clerk:

Ballot/ Tabulator testing will take place on August 24th, 2022 at the Franklin Municipal Building in the 2nd floor Municipal Chambers at 9am. This testing is open to the public and all are more than welcome to attend.

Read more

Franklin's Event Outlook: Aug 19, 2022 to Aug 25, 2022

Where has the summer gone? The last big Farmers Market, Concert on the Common combination is this Friday. They close out with music, food, and "Spider-Man" movie.
 

Friday, August 19

2:00pm - Farmers Market (Town Common)
3:00pm - Concerts on the Common: Box Groove (Town Common)

3:30pm - Farmers Mkt Fun: Make your own compass (Town Common)

4:00pm - Food truck: Gotta Q Smokehouse BBQ (Town Common)

5:30pm - Concerts on the Common: Jesse Liam Band (Town Common)

6:00pm - Mike & Missy Music (live music)  (67 Degrees Brewery)

6:00pm - Steve Doglio (live music)  (La Cantina Winery)
7:50pm - Movie Night: "Spider-Man" (Town Common)


Saturday, August 20

10:00am - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

4:00pm - David Rak (live music)  (La Cantina Winery)

6:00pm - Kendo Music  (live music)  (67 Degrees Brewery)

8:00pm - John Logan - Magic with The Beatles


Sunday, August 21

1:00pm - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)



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The Franklin Art Association Art Gallery remains open during business hours at Escape into Fiction (Main St, Franklin)

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district calendar is found  https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26



Community Calendar
Community Calendar

Annual Report Of The Department Of Planning And Community Development - FY 2021

Note: FY 2021 is last year (July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021). The report was prepared to cover the business for the FY 2021 period. This year’s report FY 2022 (July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022) is in preparation now and is normally available for distribution at the polls for the November election.

The Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD) maintains a professional staff that provides the Town of Franklin with a wide array of planning services. DPCD’s mission is to plan and implement comprehensive policies and initiatives that work to fulfill the land use-related goals of the people of Franklin. We make every effort to maintain the character of the community while enhancing its economic, cultural and social vitality.

The DPCD’s staffing reflects the diverse skills needed to complete the many activities and roles the Department participates. DPCD’s activities and services include, but are not limited to comprehensive planning, economic development, subdivision plan, site plan and conservation plan review, open space and wetlands preservation, historic preservation, zoning by-law and subdivision regulation development, downtown revitalization, brownfields redevelopment, affordable housing, public transportation, transit oriented development, natural hazard mitigation and municipal vulnerability planning, and sustainable development including use of smart growth and low impact development concepts. The Department regularly identifies and sources funding for various community development projects and activities. DPCD balances its approach to these initiatives through long-term planning and public participation. For the last two fiscal years DPCD staff has also had responsibility of operating the Town’s Passport office.

Support of Town Boards and Committees DPCD personnel provide staff support to several boards, commissions and committees, including the Planning Board, Conservation Commission, Design Review Commission, Technical Review Committee, the Municipal Affordable Housing Trust, and the Cultural District Committee. Approximately 60 to 65 percent of the Department’s total staff hours are utilized on Planning Board and Conservation Commission related issues. Since the start of the COVID-19 Pandemic DPCD staff has needed to spend much more of available staff time on running public meetings; in efforts to ensure citizen engagement and comply with open meeting law regulations, meetings have been conducted remotely using the Zoom platform. In addition, DPCD staff provides professional technical assistance to other public entities on an as needed basis, including Town Council, Zoning Board of Appeals, Town Council’s Economic Development Sub-committee, and various ad hoc committees.
 
Site Permitting and Guidance
DPCD is not a permit granting authority; its function during the permitting process is to integrate laws, regulations and plans with the Town’s goals to ensure that the best interests of the Town and its residents are served. DPCD personnel organize and attend meetings, provide technical assistance, offer professional opinions, and guide developers, businesses and residents through the Town’s various permitting processes.

Conservation and Resource Protection 
DPCD provides support to the Conservation Commission, as provided by MGL Chapter 131, Section 40. Conservation Staff, specifically the Town’s Conservation Agent, is responsible for speaking for the Conservation Commission when they are not present (see separate Conservation Commission Report). Although not a permit authority, the Conservation Agent does have limited police powers to regulate activities previously approved by the Conservation Commission, stop unauthorized activities, and promote and protect Franklin’s natural resources, including its wetlands, streams, brooks, ponds, lakes and watersheds. In addition, Conservation staff provides administrative support and reviews applications being presented to the Conservation Commission, as well as provides professional support to other Town Boards and Departments.

During FY21 DPCD Conservation staff worked on various conservation and land use related projects, including continued implementation of the DelCarte Conservation Property Master Plan; this year work included coordination of the fifth year of pond treatment. Another project overseen by the Conservation Agent because of wetlands protection issues is the Southern New England Trunkline Trail (SNETT) tunnel at Prospect Street; the tunnel project was completed in FY21.

Comprehensive Planning and Zoning DPCD is responsible for traditional land-use related activities including updating the Town’s plans, and amending and creating zoning bylaws. A description of zoning and land use issues worked on by DPCD during the 2021 fiscal year is summarized below.

Zoning Bylaw Amendments. DPCD worked on several amendments to Franklin’s Zoning Bylaw during the 2021 fiscal year. Starting in FY18 DPCD began a project to better define the Town's zoning districts by following parcel lines. Where parcels are within two or more zoning districts DPCD developed zoning map amendments to move the Zoning District line so each parcel is only in one zoning district, in most cases based on the current land use. During FY21 DPCD developed and Town Council approved three Zoning Map Amendments related to this project: 20-858, 20-861and 20-862.

DPCD developed Zoning Bylaw Amendment 21-872, which if approved would make it easier for a farmers series brewery, distillery, or winery tasting room to be approved, by eliminating the specific percentage restriction on the tasting room’s size. The tasting room would still be an accessory use to the primary brewery, distillery, or winery use. The zoning bylaw amendment is expected to be approved by Town Council early in FY22.

Franklin Center Project, Rezoning for Economic Growth & Diverse Housing Opportunities. DPCD is working on a planning/zoning study with the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC). The Franklin Center Project includes an extensive audit of the Town’s Zoning Bylaw as it relates to land uses and dimensional regulations in the Downtown area and adjacent neighborhoods. As part of the Project MAPC will perform substantial community outreach and engagement, which is expected to begin during the first half of FY22.

Hazard Mitigation and Climate Change Vulnerability Planning 
The Federal Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 requires communities to develop, adopt, and regularly update a Hazard Mitigation Plan to be eligible for FEMA hazard mitigation grants. Franklin’s first HMP was prepared in 2010; an update was needed. During FY20 and FY21 the Town worked to update its HMP. Led by the DPCD Director, the Town’s Hazard Mitigation Working Group worked with its contractor, the Metropolitan Area Planning Council, to assess and update data within the Town’s outdated 2010 HMP, including infrastructure and risk assessments, potential hazards, and Franklin’s current and potential mitigation strategies. During the first quarter of FY21 a public input process was completed, including a public hearing on July 28, 2020. The Draft HMP was then updated representing public comments received, and the Draft HMP was submitted to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for review. FEMA completed a review of the Town’s 2020 HMP and found it met all Federal requirements, pending Town adoption. On January 6, 2021 Franklin Town Council formally adopted Franklin’s Hazard Mitigation Plan 2020 Update with passage of Resolution 21-01. Soon after the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approved the Town of Franklin Hazard Mitigation Plan 2020 Update effective January 22, 2021, allowing the Town to apply for FEMA mitigation grant funding through January 21, 2026. The goals and strategies within the updated HMP will be implemented over a five year period, and will be integrated into other Town plans and policies.
 
Housing Production Plan Update 
Over the last two years DPCD has utilized substantial staff resources to develop an update to the Town’s Chapter 40B Housing Production Plan (HPP). The HPP is a proactive strategy for planning and developing affordable housing, and includes strategies that a community uses to enable it to meet its affordable housing needs in a manner consistent with MGL Chapter 40B and related Massachusetts Department of Housing & Community Development regulations. A HPP provides a Comprehensive Housing Needs Assessment, a summary of Affordable Housing Goals, and a description of Implementation Strategies the Town will utilize to meet its goals.

During FY21 a Draft HPP was developed by DPCD with input and assistance from the Town Council Economic Development Committee, Municipal Affordable Housing Trust, Franklin Housing Authority, the Town’s Administration and staff, and the Town of Franklin’s residents. Public input on the Draft HPP, and housing issues in general, were accepted from anyone interested in providing comments during a formal Public Comment Period, which ran from May 12, 2021 to June 25, 2021. During that time DPCD attended various public meetings to present the highlights of the Draft HPP, and provide time for residents and officials to ask questions and provide input. One of the meetings, a Formal Public Hearing on the Draft HPP, was held during a Franklin Municipal Affordable Housing Trust meeting on June 2, 2021.

DPCD will use the input received to create a Final version of the Plan, and expect the Final HPP update will be adopted by the Franklin Planning Board and Town Council in the first quarter of FY22. Once adopted by the Town the HPP will be submitted to Massachusetts Department of Housing & Community Development for approval.

Planning and Implementation of Community Development and Economic Development Projects Each year the DPCD works on many community and economic development initiatives. The Department develops strategies, proposes policies, bylaw changes and Town Council resolutions, manages projects, and seeks grants in efforts to balance Franklin’s community livability and its economic viability.

DPCD encourages responsible community development that meets the goals and objectives of the Town’s various planning documents, and the State’s Sustainable Development and Smart Growth Principles. Some of DPCD’s more important recently completed or ongoing projects and initiatives are summarized below.

Support of Affordable Senior Housing. DPCD worked with Franklin DWP’s Water and Sewer Superintendent to successfully apply to the Housing
 
Choice  Initiative  Capital  Grant  Program  for  a $201,000 grant. The funds are being used to design a new Water Booster Pumping Station and related water mains that will provide water and fire protection service for the proposed 60-Unit Franklin Ridge Senior Housing project on Veterans Memorial Drive.

Regional Planning. DPCD regularly attends meetings and works on various regional planning issues with a variety of regional organizations, including Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC), the Southwest Advisory Planning Committee (SWAP Committee), and the I-495/MetroWest Corridor Partnership. Franklin’s Town Planner Amy Love is currently very involved with regional planning issue as the Town’s representative to the Metropolitan Area Planning Council, and Co-chair of the SWAP Committee. In addition, the DPCD occasionally supports the initiatives of other regional organizations including the Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee, Friends of the SNETT, the MetroWest Tourism and Visitors Bureau, and the Charles River Meadowlands Working Group.

Downtown Revitalization
For close to twenty years the Town has made revitalization of Downtown Franklin a major focus and has worked to improve the Downtown in a variety of ways. During the 2021 fiscal year DPCD continued to work on projects related to implementation of the Franklin Center Plan, which was developed in 2002 and 2003 to provide Town officials with a vision and basic strategy for revitalization of Downtown Franklin. One important component of the Franklin Center Plan is Cultural Uses. The issue of Cultural Economic Development has been a focus for DPCD for more than six years, including working with the MetroWest Tourism and Visitors Bureau on a variety of cultural economic development marketing activities, preparing and distributing Cultural District marketing materials, performing outreach and educational activities, and coordinating efforts with local stakeholders. DPCD provides assistance to the Town’s Cultural District Committee in a variety of ways on a range of projects.

REVIVE Local Arts Indicators Project. DPCD and the Cultural District Committee participated in the regional REVIVE Local Arts Indicators Project implemented by the Metropolitan Area Planning Council. The project focused on four Massachusetts communities with a high density of arts and culture assets, Franklin, Arlington, Beverly and Boston. REVIVE documented impacts from COVID-19 to the local creative economy, and developed strategies that municipalities can utilize to chart a path to response and recovery for local artists and arts and cultural organizations. A recent webinar, REVIVE
 
Local Arts Indicators Discussion, provides a project summary:

DPCD works regularly on a wide range of economic development projects and programs, and is one of DPCD’s top priorities, second only to providing excellent administrative and technical assistance to the Town’s boards, commissions and committees. Potential benefits to the Town from successful implementation of DPCD’s business retainage and attraction initiatives are significant. Efforts focus on increasing the value of Franklin’s commercial and industrial tax base, filling the Town’s empty and underutilized industrially zoned buildings, and attracting the right mix of companies to the community. DPCD regularly communicates with realtors, property owners and businesses to make them aware of State and Federal technical assistance programs and financial resources that can be made available to further their development, and to raise awareness of DPCD as a resource for local businesses. DPCD works regularly Massachusetts Office of Business Development, MassDevelopment and other agencies in efforts to attract the right mix of companies to the Town of Franklin’s industrial and commercial areas.

DPCD will continue to undertake a wide range of community and economic development projects, programs, and planning initiatives that will keep the Town of Franklin’s goals and objectives current and representative of residents’ needs and desires. DPCD is proud of its accomplishments and welcomes public input on all of its efforts to improve the quality of life for the residents of Franklin.

Respectfully submitted,

Department of Planning & Community Development Staff


The full Annual Report for 2021 can be found

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/2021_annual_report.pdf


The collection of Annual Reports can be found online

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/pages/town-franklin-annual-reports



Annual Town Report Of The Town Clerk’s Office - FY 2021
Annual Report Of The Town of Franklin - FY 2021

Maybe there is something in the Market Study for your business or prospective business?

In July 2020, the Metropolitan Area Planning Council released their Market Study for Franklin. At least one potential business read this study, determined that the numbers confirmed they had a market here in Franklin, and they are indeed open and operating here.

Maybe there is something in this report that could help your business or prospective business?

The report itself

The discussion and presentation at the Economic Development subcommittee meeting (audio)

The discussion and presentation at the Town Council meeting (audio)
 

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Aug 17, 2022 - video replay available

The Town Council met on Wednesday Aug 17 for approx. 2 hours and 45 minutes. The video recording of the meeting is available for your viewing.


Documents released for this agenda can be found online ->     https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_aug_17_2022_0.pdf


Flu Clinic scheduled for Oct 12 at the Franklin Senior Center

Flu Clinic

A Flu Clinic is scheduled for Oct 12 at the Franklin Senior Center from 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM




Flu Clinic scheduled for Oct 12 at the Franklin Senior Center
Flu Clinic scheduled for Oct 12 at the Franklin Senior Center

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Friday, Aug 19, 2022

  • wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM dial = Friday

9:00a/12:00p /6:00p Chapters – Jim Derick  Insightful, life-affirming stories and interviews

10:00a/1:00p/7:00p Music to Lift the Spirit - Jim Derick & Frank Falvey

11:00a/2:00p/8:00pm Senior Story Hour – Senior Center Scribblers Group

  • Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 26) = FRIDAY

7:30 am Care For Ukraine
9:00 am Frank Presents: Kim Driscoll
10:00 am Physician Focus: Alzheimer's
11:00 am Senior Connection: COVID Updates
12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Meatballs
12:30 pm Sandhya: Eclairs
1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Healthy Pizza Crusts
2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Fall 2019 Show 8
3:00 pm SAFE Coalition: Youth Sports
4:00 pm Senior Connection: Danielle Hopkins
4:30 pm Concerts on the Common: Northeast Groove
7:00 pm Norfolk County Prevention Coalition: Repeat Offenders

  • Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 96, Verizon 28) = FRIDAY
7:00 am Public School Concert: Lifelong Music Pt. 2 05-14-19
8:30 am It Takes A Village: 40 Percent Club
9:30 am FHS Oskey 2022
11:30 am FHS Varsity Volleyball: v Lynn Classical 11-05-21
1:30 pm Public School Concert: FHS Spring Jazz '22
3:30 pm Cultural District: Brent Selby
6:00 pm Battleship Cove: 3D Print Lab
7:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Soccer: v King Philip 10-06-21
9:00 pm FHS Varsity Field Hockey: v Central Catholic 11-09-21
  • Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 11, Verizon 29) =  FRIDAY

8:00 am Zoning Board of Appeals: 07-28-22
2:00 pm Zoning Board of Appeals: 07-28-22

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf   

Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm)
Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm)

Thursday, August 18, 2022

4th Annual Cornhole Tournament - Sep 17, 2022

On September 17, 2022, the public is invited to join the Franklin Odd Fellows for an afternoon of fun and good cheer from 1 to 6:00 PM at the Bellingham Sportsman Club at 360 Lake St., Bellingham, MA 02019.   This will be a fundraiser event with profits going to the Massachusetts Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation.  

Teams will consist of two players each with a registration cost of $20 per person.  Team pre-registration and pre-payment is encouraged, but not necessary to be able to participate.  The formatting of the tournament will be a blind draw for round robin play to establish seeding for a Double Elimination Tournament.

Last year’s event went very well, but we only had 10 teams and we want to do better this year.  Get your teams together and register today!  Teams registering at the door on the day of the tournament will be integrated into event as long as there is space and boards available. 

The Sportsman Club will provide a cash bar for refreshments, a music system playing your favorite tunes, and wide screen TV for the sporting fans to keep abreast of the Sox and Patriots.  The Odd Fellows will provide a light lunch at 2:00 PM.  Many thanks to the Sportsman Club for the use of their facility for this event.
 

4th Annual Cornhole Tournament - Sep 17, 2022
4th Annual Cornhole Tournament - Sep 17, 2022

Annual Report Of The Finance Committee - FY 2021

Note: FY 2021 is last year (July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021). The report was prepared to cover the business for the FY 2021 period. This year’s report FY 2022 (July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022) is in preparation now and is normally available for distribution at the polls for the November election.

I hereby submit the Annual Report of the Finance Committee for FY2021 commencing July 1, 2020 and ending June 30, 2021.

Hail and Farewell: The fiscal year began with the departure of former Chairman Mike Dufour and the appointment of Natalie Riley. Susan Dewsnap and David Wiech were reappointed to three-year terms.

We organized early in the fiscal year and elected Bill Dowd, George Conley and Nicole Corbosiero as Chair, Vice Chair and Clerk respectively.

The Committee met thirteen times during the fiscal year. In addition to the annual budget hearings, policy reviews, budget updates and review of capital requests, we initiated a series of information sessions or “deep dives” on multiple aspects of municipal operations. The intent of these sessions was to gain a better understanding of various department operations and policies so we would be better informed when it came time to recommend an annual operating budget to the Town Council. I believe these sessions were quite successful and plan to continue them in FY2022.

Due to prudent fiscal management and better than projected revenue the Town was able to transfer close to $1M into the Budget Stabilization Fund. This reversed the trend of depleting the fund in recent years to balance the operating budgets.
 
The Committee requested a survey of comparable communities and the policies they have regarding Budget Stabilization or “rainy day” funds. After presenting the Committee the results of this survey the Administration drafted a policy for Franklin to use in establishing guidance, or ‘guard rails ’for the funding and use of our own Budget Stabilization fund. The Committee discussed this extensively and approved a revised policy that awaits Town Council action.

I would like to thank all department heads and employees who appeared before the Committee. I want to especially thank Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Finance Director Chris Sandini and their respective staffs for the tremendous work they did in preparing us for the various hearings we conducted. I particularly want to thank my fellow Committee members for their service and dedication.

Budget Highlights:

$138,564,865 FY2022 Operating Budget
$ 25,000,000 Beaver St. Sewer Interceptor
$ 4,527,274 FY2021 Capital Needs
$  4,559,000         Maple Hill land Purchase


Respectfully Submitted, 

William C. Dowd
Chairman, Franklin Finance Committee


The full Annual Report for 2021 can be found

The collection of Annual Reports can be found online

Annual Town Report Of The Town Clerk’s Office - FY 2021
Annual Report Of The Town of Franklin - FY 2021