In the News: computer chips need patching; Medway increases mailbox reimbursement

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

"Technology companies are scrambling to fix serious security flaws affecting computer processors built by Intel and other chipmakers and found in many of the world’s personal computers and smartphones. 

The two hardware bugs discovered can be exploited to allow the memory content of a computer to be leaked. Such a leak could potentially expose stored passwords and other sensitive data, including personal photos, emails and instant messages. 

Researchers at Google’s Project Zero and academic institutions including the Graz University of Technology in Austria discovered the problem last year and disclosed it Wednesday."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20180104/computer-chip-flaw-revealed-and-what-you-should-do-about-it

"Residents who have their mailboxes taken out by a plow during storms may see an increase in their reimbursement by the town. 

The Board of Selectmen this week voted to increase the amount the town offers to $50, up from $25. 

Town Administrator Michael Boynton raised the matter at the board’s Tuesday meeting, saying he felt $25 was on the low side. 

“I’m beginning to think $25 is from a day gone by,”′ he said, noting that the standard mailbox likely costs closer to $50."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180104/medway-increases-mailbox-damage-reimbursement

Franklin's mailbox policy provides for reimbursement of $45

"The reimbursement amount for damaged mailboxes is $45.00. For a resident to receive a reimbursement, they are required to provide a paid receipt or invoice. The DPW will not pay more than $45.00 per incident per household per year. 

The Franklin DPW does not provide replacement mailboxes and will not perform any repairs to mailboxes. All receipts and invoices are due no later than May 15th of the current fiscal year."

http://www.franklinma.gov/public-works/news/updated-mailbox-policy-new-reimbursement

or here

http://www.franklinma.gov/snow-ice-removal/pages/mailbox-policy

The reimbursement amount for damaged mailboxes is $45

"opportunity to have a lower cost energy option"

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

"The town (Medway) has entered into a municipal aggregation agreement with an energy supplier, saving residents an estimated $215,500 over the first half of 2018. 

The town entered into the six-month contract - its first under the new Medway Community Choice Power Supply program - with Constellation NewEnergy of Texas late last week. The state’s Department of Public Utilities approved the local aggregation program in October. 

The town worked with energy consultant Colonial Power Group throughout the approval and bidding process. Mark Cappadona, Colonial’s president, said the agreement charges Medway customers about 11.8 cents per kilowatt hour, beginning in January. This represents a savings over the default rate of 13.2 cents per kilowatt hour that Eversource will begin charging in January."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171205/medway-signs-energy-agreement


Update: Franklin also has a municipal aggregation program. The Town has gone to bid three times and have yet to get an acceptable rate to start. Deputy Town Administrator Jamie Hellen wants to get a good differential rate for the first time out as the rate will change over time (as shown in the Medway article).

The Municipal Aggregation program documents can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/02/municipal-aggregation-program.html

• From the Town Council meeting where this was approved

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/03/live-reporting-legislation-for-action.html

cover page of presentation to Town Council on Aggregation Program

In the News: Exelon gets State approval; Governor appoints pot board

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

"A state board eliminated roadblocks for the construction of an expansion to the Medway Exelon plant. 

At a hearing Friday, the Energy Facilities Siting Board approved two decisions - one granting a certificate of environmental impact and public interest, and the other approving a revised water supply - in favor of the 200-megawatt expansion project. It had earlier issued tentative decisions to allow for public comment. 

Board counsel Joan Evans said her draft decision grants the certificate to Exelon. Though the company had requested the board grant 11 state and local permits, this decision requires it go through the regular permitting process. Evans said the state fire marshal’s office, for example, wanted more information on chemicals that would be stored at the plant. 

The company can seek those permits during construction, Evans said. With a favorable decision, she told the board, Exelon could begin construction."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170804/state-oks-medway-exelon-plans

Governor Charlie Baker on Friday appointed five members to the Massachusetts’ Cannabis Advisory Board, which will make recommendations to the Cannabis Control Commission on the regulation and taxation of marijuana. 

The board was established by the ballot initiative approved by voters last November and in legislation signed by Baker last week, consisting of 25 members: five appointees each from the governor, treasurer and attorney general and 10 others. 

The law requires Baker’s appointees to represent experts in minority business development, economic development strategies for under-resourced communities, farming or farming interests, employers and municipal law enforcement. 

The new members are Walpole Police Chief John Carimichael Jr.; Roxbury attorney Kimberly Napoli, co-founder of the Hempest retail clothing shop in Harvard Square; Mary Ann Pesce of Weston, an independent consultant who spent most of her career in business management for The Gillette Company in Boston; Lydia Sisson, founder and co-director of Mill City Grows, an urban food producer in Lowell; and Henry M. Thomas III, president and CEO of the Urban League of Springfield.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170804/governor-baker-names-five-to-pot-panel

In the News: Medway peaker plant approved; new assistant executive director at MIAA

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

"The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has issued its final air quality permits for Exelon's Medway power plant - the last set of state approvals the company sought in its project to expand the facility. 

The department's official sign-off on Exelon's Prevention of Significant Deterioration Permit and the Air Quality Plan this week comes after state officials issued a draft approval in October. 

A public hearing regarding both was held last month in Medway. 

Mark Rodgers, a company spokesman, said in a statement Tuesday the DEP's final decision marked an "important milestone" in the project."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161220/medway-dep-gives-exelon-final-permit-approval

"Ann Trytko, retired educator and athletic director from Hampshire Regional High School, has joined the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association as a part-time assistant executive director. 

Trytko retired at the end of last school year after a 35-year career in education that started in 1975 as a physical education teacher and concluded this past year as athletic director. She also spent several of these years coaching both middle school and high school varsity sports. 

Trytko remains an active MIAA coaches' education instructor and served several years on the MIAA tournament management and gymnastic committees, as well as the past six years as chair of gymnastics."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161220/massachusetts-interscholastic-athletic-association-announces-addition

In the News: Franklin TV expands to radio; "tentative" yes to Medway power plant

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

"If all goes well, the local public access cable station will be looking to venture into a new medium - radio - early next year. 

Franklin TV is hoping to begin broadcasts on 102.9 FM - with call sign WFPR, or Franklin Public Radio - in the first months of 2017, said station Executive Director Peter Fasciano. 

"Our target date for a broadcast test - or program test - is sometime between the first of the year and Feb. 12," he said. 

Once operations begin, Fasciano said, the station would look to broadcast local meetings, community events, sports, a lecture series and Franklin TV shows that would translate to the radio format."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161104/new-franklin-radio-station-may-hit-airwaves

Franklin TV, located at 23 Hutchinson St

"In a tentative decision published Friday evening, the Massachusetts Energy Facilities Siting Board (EFSB) said it approved Exelon’s petition to expand the company’s Summer Street power plant. 

The nine-member state board is the determining authority as to whether the project can proceed. 

In an email Friday afternoon, Peter Lorenz, communications director for the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, said the tentative decision is “a recommended decision” prepared by the siting board staff for the board's consideration and is not the board’s final decision. 

“The issuance of the tentative decision follows months of public hearings, review of over one hundred comment letters and briefs submitted and evidentiary hearings,” he said.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161104/medway-state-oks-exelon-plant-expansion

Karen Alves recognized as one of the 2016 Unsung Heroines

Karen Alves of Medway was honored Wednesday as a member of the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women's 2016 class of Unsung Heroines. Karen was recommended by Representatives Jeffrey Roy and John Fernandes and Senators Karen E. Spilka and Richard J. Ross for this recognition because of her dedicated years of service and for her role as director of the Senior Center in Franklin. Karen was honored with 100 other Unsung Heroines in a ceremony in the Great Hall at the State House in Boston.

Alves is the Director of the Franklin Senior Center and Council on Aging. Her success derives from her 15 years of dedicated work for the hundreds of senior citizen that receive daily services in Franklin. In 2014 Karen was named Massachusetts's council on aging Innovator of the Year for her advocacy, planning, and implementation of an in-home respite care service, providing relief to caregivers of seniors suffering from dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

In 2010 Karen and the Franklin Senior Center were awarded Innovator of the Year by the Massachusetts Association of Councils on Aging for the Safe and Secure at Home program that provides outreach and assistance to frail, homebound, or isolated seniors who are at risk for life-threatening falls.

"Karen's great work with Franklin's seniors provides peace of mind for countless families, a nurturing center for our elders, and a place for seniors to thrive," said Representative Jeffrey Roy (D-Franklin) "Throughout her years of service, she has given her time, talent, spirit, and enthusiasm to enrich the lives of Franklin's elder population. She never seeks the limelight and returns each year to the task of making Franklin a great place to live, work, and raise a family."

Representative John Fernandes (D-Milford) added: "I commend Karen, not only for her devoted and compassionate treatment, but also for her numerous initiatives and civic endeavors that have made life easier, healthier and safer for our seniors."

"Karen is a terrific leader in the Franklin community and a strong voice for our seniors," said Senator Karen Spilka (D-Ashland). "This is a very well-deserved honor for a woman who is actively making a difference, and I was proud to honor her at the State House among other strong, female leaders across MetroWest and the Commonwealth."

"Karen is truly the embodiment of selfless service. Every day she works tirelessly to improve the lives of our Franklin seniors and I am pleased that we were able to honor her for all that she has done for our community," said Senator Richard Ross. (R-Wrentham)

The Unsung Heroines are women who don't make the news, but make the difference. They are the women who use their time, talent and enthusiasm to enrich the lives of others and make a difference in their neighborhoods, cities and towns. They are mentors, volunteers and innovators who do what needs to be done without expectations of recognition or gratitude. These women are the glue that keeps a community together and every community is better because of their contribution.

Left to right: Senator Richard Ross, Karen Alves, Representative Jeffrey Roy

Article Two would also ensure “all cushioning materials are encapsulated”

The Medway Town Meeting voted to move away from crumb rubber on artificial turf fields.

"Residents voted to reject a proposed three-year moratorium on artificial turf during a standing vote at a Special Town Meeting Thursday night. 

However, voters accepted a motion for a different article that officials said could help address some of the concerns that the moratorium sought to ease. 

Article One, which asked the town to adopt a three-year moratorium on “the engineering, planning, construction or installation of any synthetic turf,” or loose crumb-rubber infill. Filed as a citizen’s petition, it would not have affected existing fields or turf used on private property. Proponents said chemicals used in crumb rubber — or recycled tire pieces — can pose potential health risks. 

The public accepted Article Two, which sought the approval of $450,000 of Community Preservation funds to be used for playground renovations and enhancements — including handicap accessibility — at local parks, according to the warrant."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160609/medway-residents-vote-down-turf-moratorium-proposal

the new artificial turf field at FHS has good softness with its new infill although it is
crumb rubber and is controversial

In the News: school calendar, rail trail road race, lawsuit dismissed, Exelon PILOT approved

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

"The School Committee will soon decide whether to abridge February vacations in coming years. 

The committee is scheduled to meet tonight and scheduled to take action on the school calendar. The changes, if enacted, would not take effect until the 2017-2018 school year; next year's calendar has already been set. 

Two proposals - put forward by a calendar subgroup - will be considered, though the committee can change the calendar however it sees fit. 

The first option would retain current practices. School would begin on Aug. 30, 2017 and the district would reach the required 180 days on June 13, 2018. Both February and April vacations would remain intact under the proposal."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160509/franklin-school-calendar-decision-expected-tonight

The current two calendar options can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/04/fy-2017-2018-school-calendar-options.html

Parmenter School early in the morning

"The Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee will host a race this weekend, in an attempt to raise money and develop the trail within the towns. 

Those taking part in the event - scheduled to take place on Saturday morning at the Remington Middle School - have several options; a 5K race, a five-mile run or a 1.5-mile walk."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160509/franklin-rail-trail-race-set-for-saturday

"A U.S. District Court judge has again decided not to reconsider dismissing a local family's lawsuit against the town of Franklin and local police officers. 

In the decision announced Monday, Judge Richard Stearns affirmed his decision that ended, without prejudice, a suit filed by plaintiffs Amy and Jeffrey DeLucia against the town, Police Chief Stephan Semerjian and five police officers. 

The family had claimed several acts of police misconduct, including a physical attack in which Jeffrey DeLucia suffered broken bones."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160509/franklin-lawsuit-dismissal-against-town-officers-upheld

"Without much discussion regarding a hotly-debated topic among residents and town officials for the better part of a year, residents at Annual Town Meeting passed a $75.2 million tax agreement for Exelon’s proposed power plant expansion. 

The agreement, a payment-in-lieu-of-taxes (PILOT), has Exelon, which is proposing a 200-megawatt, two-turbine expansion at its Summer Street power plant, paying the town that amount over a 20-year period. 

Annual payments begin at just more than $3.8 million and drop to just under $3.5 million by year 20 of the agreement, according to the PILOT."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160509/exelon-pilot-breezes-by-medway-town-meeting

In the News: Chapter 90 road funds, peaker plant gets one State approval, Franklin arrested for bad checks

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

"Cantoreggi said Franklin would receive just shy of $1 million under the Baker’s budget that will go to putting in new water lines and rebuilding roads. 

The Northgate neighborhood, Cleveland area and Summer Street are expected to be reconstructed. 

Like Milford, any additional money would benefit Franklin. 

“If the additional money comes through, typically what we do is preventative maintenance, which would be crack sealing and chip sealing. It is not necessarily the most glamorous type of work, but it makes the roads last a lot longer,” said Cantoreggi."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160331/milford-franklin-towns-counting-on-highway-money-from-state

Road construction on East Central St is currently funded with a State grant

A state official has given the environmental go-ahead to energy company Exelon to expand, but the firm still needs another key state board's approval to build. 

Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Michael Beaton said Exelon’s Final Environmental Impact Report “adequately and property complies” with the state Environmental Protection Act. 

“The project has been clearly described and presented, its impacts have been identified, feasible alternatives to the project have been analyzed commensurate with the project’s purpose and need, and the (report) includes clear commitments to mitigate (d)amage to the (e)nvironment,” Beaton wrote in the March 18 certificate which was posted on the state Department of Public Utilities website this week.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160331/medway-state-executive-oks-exelon-expansion

"A Franklin man was arraigned Thursday in Wrentham District Court on charges of larceny and forging several checks stolen from a relative, authorities say. 

Michael J. Boudreau, 25, of 951 Pond St., faces two counts of forging a check, two counts of attempting to commit a crime and uttering (passing) a false check."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160331/franklin-man-arrested-for-bogus-checks

In the News: Faces of Recovery concert, turnpike toll booths going away, peaker plant gets water from Millis

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

A local group aimed at fighting substance abuse will be holding a concert this weekend to share treatment stories and further reach out to the community. 

The Support for Addicts and Families by Empowerment (SAFE) is slated to host a "Faces of Recovery" concert on Sunday at Franklin's Black Box Theater. The event will run from 5 to 9 p.m.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160328/franklin-coalition-to-host-recovery-awareness-concert

The state is looking for an OK from the town's Conservation Commission to tear down the toll booths and a building at the intersection of the Mass. Pike and Interstate 495 later this year, and restore the area to open space. 

The Exit 11A toll plaza demolition and improvement project is part of the implementation of All Electronic Tolling, which eliminates the traditional toll booth system in favor of drive-under electronic toll collectors at various points on the highway, charging for distance rather than the number of exits traveled. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation expects the new system with 15 checkpoints to be in use by October.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160328/hopkinton-dot-prepares-to-demolish-toll-booths

Selectmen Monday voted to move forward with the potential sale of water to Exelon after a committee concluded that the sale is feasible. 

The Drinking Water Committee last week approved motions to recommend to the Board of Selectmen that they move forward with negotiations and planning to sell water to Exelon for its 200-megawatt expansion in Medway.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/20160328/millis-selectmen-ok-exelon-water-talks

In the News: Eversource in trouble, Millis expected to provide water

"There were more tough words for Eversource from the Planning and Economic Development Board as the power distribution company asked the board to speed up the public hearing process and issue a decision on the company's proposed upgrade of a facility on West Street. 

At the board’s Tuesday meeting, the company discussed additional material it submitted as part of its application to build two prefabricated 15-by-64-foot control buildings. 

Mary Kate Shneeweis, an engineer with Beals and Thomas who is also working on the Exelon project to build a 200-megawatt expansion on the Summer Street property, detailed landscaping and other plans that the company had yet to file last month when it first met with the board. 

The company was issued a cease and desist in January after they began construction of a retaining wall without filing a site plan application with the town."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160323/medway-eversource-asks-for-speedy-decision

"The Drinking Water Committee is expected to recommend that the Board of Selectmen enter into negotiations with Exelon and Medway to pump 48,000 gallons of water per day into Medway’s system for Exelon’s use. 

Exelon, which proposed a 200-megawatt expansion of its existing Summer Street power plant, will require an average of 95,000 gallons of water per day to help control emissions from the two power-generating turbines proposed to the state Energy Facilities Siting Board (EFSB). 

The EFSB, the sole permitting authority for energy infrastructure in the state, is expected to issue a decision later this spring or early summer."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160323/millis-committee-to-recommend-exelon-water-sale

In the News: Class of 1966 looking for classmates; Exelon hearings begin in Medway

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

"The Franklin High School Class of 1966 will hold its 50th class reunion June 3-5. 

The class seeks the following classmates: Warren Bennett, Joseph Boucher, David Calzolari, Nancy Cheyunski, Sandra Cosma, Jean Costello, Patricia Cunningham, Valerie DeLorenzo, Margaret Farrell, Charles Fowler, Constance Grime, Elizabeth Hagopian, Clifford Jones, Joseph Kelly, Charles Kimball, Robin Lister, Sheila Lynch, Donald McPherson, Leo Mastromatteo, Thomas McGuire, Susan Monier, Sharon Mullen, Anthony Parlin, Donna Paturzo, Jorge Pinzon, Anthony Pitasi, Susan Poellmitz, Charles Rosen, Jacqueline Shaw, David Sussan and Allan Thornton. 

To report information, call 508-553-4814 or email lifelong@franklin.k12.ma.us."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160322/frankling-high-school-class-of-1966-seeks-classmates

"Exelon presented its site plan application to the Planning and Economic Development Board Tuesday, a major step in the company’s proposal to build a 200-megawatt expansion of the company’s Summer Street power plant. 

Eric Las, an engineer with Beals and Thomas, the engineering firm retained by Exelon, provided a general overview of the project. 

The plant would operate during high-usage periods, mainly in hot summer and cold winter months. 

During construction, there will be a staging area, and several trees originally meant to provide screening from West Street will be removed, Las said, adding that after construction, the area will be regrown."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160322/medway-planning-board-begins-exelon-hearings

In the News: bowling making progress to return, RT 109 contract due soon

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

Efforts to return bowling to town have made progress, though an official location for the new lanes has yet to be announced. 

Last month, a group of businessmen announced they purchased much of the equipment - pin setters, ball returns and an automatic scoring system - once used at Ficco's Bowladrome. Ficco's, a longtime downtown mainstay, closed last June after 79 years in business. 

Andy Trockman, the operations manager for the new effort, said some strides had been made recently, though there is still much to do. He said the group is working on an offer for a piece of land in town. 

"At that point, we can go full steam ahead," he said. "I'm still shooting for (an opening date of) September."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160320/strides-made-to-return-bowling-to-franklin

bowling may return to Franklin with reuse of the equipment from Ficco's

The town and state Department of Transportation are closing in on selecting a contractor for the reconstruction of Rte. 109. 

The project, which is expected to begin in July and last for at least two years, was originally estimated to cost about $12.5 million, with the state and federal governments kicking in most of that money. 

Selectmen on Monday are expected to approve a 110 percent agreement with the state DOT, which stipulates that the town would be on the hook for any project costs that exceed the contract bid price by more than 10 percent.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160320/medway-state-closing-in-on-rte-109-project-start

In the News: DelCarte playground repairs scheduled, Medway board to consider site design

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

"Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting, speaking at last week's Town Council meeting, said officials have met with the playground manufacturer. 

"We had a very productive meeting," he said. "They made a proposal to move forward on testing the concrete and the soil, and to come back and disassemble a portion of it and weld it back together, so it doesn't keep popping from the ice." 

Nutting said company representatives expect they can do the work at the end of April - assuming the weather is fair. The job would take two or three days. 

"They'll bear all expenses in this matter," he said. "Any final decision would be contingent on having a warranty, so we're not doing this over and over again."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160318/franklin-playground-repair-work-slated-for-april

DelCarte playground - currently closed for repairs that are scheduled for the end of April

Medway Planning and Economic Development Board meeting

"Exelon’s project represents a much larger proposal at a cost of about $240 million, according to an environmental report. 

The company hopes to build a 200-megawatt expansion of its existing Summer Street power plant, which currently only produces about 117 megawatts of energy via three oil-fired turbines. 

Two new turbines are proposed, along with two 160-foot-tall stacks, a 1-million-gallon fuel oil tank, a 500,000-gallon water tank, a 450,000-gallon demineralized water tank and a 12,000-gallon aqueous ammonia storage tank. 

The board is restricted to only dealing with engineering and site design issues, as the state Energy Facilities Siting Board has the final say as to whether the company can build."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160318/exelon-eversoure-to-dominate-board-meeting-march-22

In the News: audit report to Town Council, Medway BOH asks about Exelon wells

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

"The town's finances are in order, according to an audit by the accounting firm Melanson Heath. 

The results of the report - which covered 2015 - were discussed at last week's Town Council meeting. Accountant Frank Biron presented the findings. 

"The bottom line is that the numbers really did not change very much," he said. "They were strong numbers a year ago, and they remain strong this year." 

The most important number in the report, Biron said, is the town's unassigned fund balance - money not committed to other purposes - which was at $9,686,850."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160316/franklin-town-council-hears-positive-audit-report

For the Franklin Matters reporting on the Town Council meeting 3/9/16
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/03/from-financial-audit-to-mandatory.html

DelCarte playground closed at least until the end of April when repairs will be made

"The Board of Health will be sending a letter to the state Department of Environmental Protection asking that the department provide the town with assurance that a power plant planning an expansion will not draw down the town’s access to water. 

The concern comes after the plant, Exelon, asked the Board of Health to sign off on a second well, that along with another well, could withdraw an annual average of 51,840 gallons per day. 

Board member Jordan Warnick said the board is concerned that the two wells, combined with the potential use of 45,000 gallons of water per day from Millis, could upset the town’s aquifer."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160316/medway-health-board-questions-exelon-wells

In the News: briefs filed for against power plant, court decision stands

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

"Intervening parties and Exelon have filed briefs in opposition and in support of the company’s proposal to build a 200-megawatt expansion of an existing power plant on Summer Street. 

The matter has been before the state Energy Facilities Siting Board for approval for almost a year, and hearings took place in December and January. 

Medway, the Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA), the Conservation Law Foundation (CLF), Eversource and Exelon filed initial briefs this week, with two of those groups filing briefs in opposition to the project."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160302/medway-exelon-interveners-file-briefs

"A U.S. District Court judge announced Wednesday that he will not reconsider the dismissal of a local family's civil lawsuit against the town of Franklin and several police officers, though the case remains on appeal. 

Plantiffs Amy and Jeffrey DeLucia had filed suit against the town, Police Chief Stephan Semerjian and five police officers in 2015, claiming several acts of misconduct, including a physical attack that broke several of Jeffrey DeLucia's bones. 

The case was dismissed without prejudice in February, however, after the DeLucias were unable to comply with the town's requests for evidence."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160302/judge-will-not-reconsider-dismissal-of-franklin-police-misconduct-case

In the News: Pond St discussion proceeds, Medway warrant pending state's decision

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

"Talks have begun regarding a possible condominium development on Pond Street, though the matter will not come before the Town Council again this month. 

Earlier this month, the council took a non-binding straw poll vote in favor of an 85-unit development on a town-owned, 33-acre property on the street. The proposal would have a developer purchase the land for about $1.65 million. The council decided to have town staff draft a formal resolution, which would be voted upon at a future meeting. 

Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting said that there had been some progress in talks with the developer. 

"We had an initial meeting just yesterday," he said Wednesday. "There will probably be a follow-up next week."

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http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160217/franklin-pond-street-development-talks-progressing

An annual Town Meeting warrant article asking residents to approve a $75.2 million payment-in-lieu-of-taxes (PILOT) agreement with Exelon is currently a placeholder pending a state board’s decision on allowing the company’s proposed expansion to move forward, selectmen and town officials said Tuesday. 

Town Administrator Michael Boynton, while going over the May 9 special and annual Town Meeting warrants, suggested that if the article goes forward, it should be first. 

“It’s going to be the biggest discussion of the night,” he said.

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In the News: Exelon hearings end, bone marrow drive

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

Stop Medway Peaker Plant

A state board’s hearings on whether Exelon should be allowed to construct a 200-megawatt expansion at its existing Summer Street facility in Medway ended this week after nearly two months of hearings. 

The hearings began on Dec. 8 and ended on Thursday. The nine-member Energy Facilities Siting Board (EFSB), charged with permitting energy projects that meet state and federal environmental regulations, heard hours of testimony that covered technology, pollution, environmental worries and proposed water use.

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A bone marrow drive will be held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 6 at the Franklin YMCA, 45 Forge Hill Road in honor of Jennifer Felicetti. 

Felicetti is a mother, wife and friend with a passion for life. This past Christmas Eve, she was admitted to her local hospital, unaware that her life was about to take a drastic turn. A few days later, Felicetti was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. While she is currently undergoing aggressive treatment, her doctors believe her best shot will likely be a bone marrow transplant. With no matching donor in her family, Felicetti will be forced to enter the nerve-wracking search for an unrelated donor.

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http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160129/delete-blood-cancer-to-hold-bone-marrow-drive-at-franklin-ymca

In the News: water hearing, school calendar choices

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

"A state board’s evidentiary hearings on Exelon’s proposed 200-megawatt expansion of its existing Summer Street will continue Friday with testimony about the plant’s proposed use of water. 

The state Energy Facilities Siting Board, which reviews and permits power infrastructure in the state, will meet for the first time this month to discuss the average of 95,000 gallons of water the plant will need each to help control emissions."

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http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160113/medway-exelon-water-hearings-on-friday

The hearing is interesting for a couple of reasons: one, for Medway's use of the water and two, Franklin has an interest in getting additional water from Millis to help with the Kingsbury Pond issue.

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"The Franklin School Committee is considering two draft calendars for the upcoming school year. 

Superintendent Maureen Sabolinski at Tuesday night's committee meeting presented the early drafts for informational purposes only. The committee will be asked to make a decision at its next meeting on Jan. 26."

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The two draft calendars can be viewed here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/01/live-reporting-calendar-choices-2.html

In the News: Medway objects, testing transition

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

"In a letter to the state Energy Facilities Siting Board, Medway said it opposes Franklin’s intervention in the board’s permitting of Exelon’s proposed expansion of the existing power plant on Summer Street. 

The letter, written by Jeffrey Bernstein, a lawyer hired to represent the town in all dealings with Exelon, called into question the Franklin’s reasons for participation, calling them legally insufficient “to allow the late filing of a petition to intervene nearly six months” after the deadline to intervene in June. 

“The town of Medway has significant concerns about the veracity of statements made both in the Town of Franklin’s filings and the affidavit in support thereof,” Bernstein wrote."

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http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151214/NEWS/151217920/1994/NEWS

"The Franklin School District is in the midst of transitioning from the MCAS test to PARCC, and school officials said local students performed well in both this past year. 

Assistant Superintendent Joyce Edwards noted that students outperformed the state in PARCC, but said the test itself is not in its final form. 

"It takes a very long time until a new test is fully tested and validated," she said. "I think it will be a few years before the data is completely reliable."

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http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151214/NEWS/151217926/1994/NEWS