Monday, October 21, 2013

Everyone can use a Good Laugh and some Inspiration!

Caring for our Community

with a Night of Comedy!

Saturday, November 2nd

3 Restaurant

Franklin, MA

7-11 pm

$35

Dear steve,

Our purpose is to support the Ellie Fund, a wonderful organization that serves breast cancer patients & their families locally within MA. Please join us to enjoy

~ Comedy by the hilarious Harrison Stebbins ~

~ Music by the Jennifer Tefft Band ~

~ 50/50 Raffle ~ Light Snacks ~ Cash Bar ~

~ Silent Auction ~

Harrison Stebbins

With a sarcastic wit and an improvisational style, Harrison Stebbins has quickly become one of the most popular comedy acts in the Northeast. His unique blend of high-energy physical comedy and clever insight keeps audiences laughing long after he has left the stage. The current champion of the Sam Adam's Best of Boston comedy competition, he has performed on the Comedy Central Live Tour, Dave Attel's Insomniac Tour featured on Comedy Central, and many more. His razor sharp wit and animated persona have made him one of stand-up comedy's fastest rising stars and an act you don't want to miss!

The Jennifer Tefft Band

After getting her start playing for change in the subway tunnels and streets of Cambridge, MA, Tefft has gone on to release 4 CDs which have received critical acclaim, including a nomination for Best Female Vocalist by the Boston Music Awards. Songs from all 4 of her releases have been, and are still being used on national television shows such as CSI, MTV, One Life To Live, and The Young & The Restless, among others.

Jennifer and her band have toured extensively, sharing the stage with bands like Aerosmith, Quiet Riot, Warrant, Missing Persons, and more.

Jennifer is a breast cancer Survivor!

We hope you'll join us.

Everyone can use a good laugh

and some inspiration!

Click Here to Purchase Your Tickets Now!

Questions? Send us an E-mail at info@beadsforacause.com or call 508-520-4100

Forward this email

Confidence Beads and Beads for a Cause | Post Office Box 246 | Franklin | MA | 02038

In the News: FEF grants, treasurer change

More than a dozen Franklin teachers win grants

The Franklin Education Foundation has awarded 13 grants totaling $24,874 to teachers from all grade levels for the 2013-2014 school year.

Franklin FinCom backs proposed treasurer change

The Finance Committee has announced its support for making the treasurer/collector an appointed position.

The text for Question 1 on the Nov 5, 2013 ballot can be found here

Sunday, October 20, 2013

Saturday in and around Franklin

My bike ride around Franklin on Saturday found lots of good things happening.

The colorful flowers on sale at Agway caught my eye

autumn colors at Agway

There will be a craft show at the Elks Lodge today, Oct 20th

Elks - craft show

At the corner of West Central and Union the red trees framed the green light

red trees, green light

The Ladybug 5K brought families with runners and walkers to the Kennedy School to register for the 5K or the kids fun runs.

registration line

The Music Boosters held their mattress sale at FHS in the field house

music booster mattress sale

Wednesday, Oct 23 will be the Panther Pride night where current 8th graders and parents get to see and here what to expect next year

Panther Pride night - Oct 23, 2013

Drive safely where ever you go around Franklin. On Main St just passed St Mary's before you get to the split with Maple St going left and Lincoln St continuing, the police have the mobile speed marker out to remind you of how fast you are and should be traveling.

Main St speed notice

The playground foundation is poured at the DelCarte Open Space

playground foundation at DelCarte

Franklin Federated Church held yard sale

yard sale at Franklin Federated Church

With the annual St Rocco's Festival cleared out of ground on the Hayward Manor, you can find

a basketball court

In case you did not know what the mascot of Dean College was, "Boomer" the Bulldog was out and around campus living large!

Dean College bulldog "Boomer"

What else did you do in and around Franklin on Saturday?

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Oct 22, 2013

Vision Statement

The Franklin Public Schools will foster within its students the knowledge and skills to find and achieve satisfaction in life as productive global citizens.

AGENDA

"The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law."

1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the October 8, 2013 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Mrs. McIntyre
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence:

2. Guests/Presentations
a. Presentation of Plaques
b. FEF Presentation and Awards Ceremony – Kit Brady
c. New FHS Technology – Tim Rapoza, Peter Light

3. Discussion Only Items
Dugouts for softball fields at Remington/Jefferson

4. Action Items
a. I recommend approval of the Budget Transfers as detailed.
b. I recommend acceptance of a check for $240.00 from the Parmenter PCC for in-house enrichment as detailed.
c. I recommend acceptance of the donation of an iPad for Jefferson Elementary School as detailed.
d. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1125.00 from the Kennedy PCC for field trips.
e. I recommend acceptance of a check for $875.00 from the Kennedy PCC for field trips.
f. I recommend acceptance of a check for $4500.00 from the Jefferson PCC for field trips.
g. I recommend approval for construction of dugouts at the Remington/Jefferson complex as discussed.
h. I recommend approval of the request of Mary MacMurray to take Kennedy 3rd graders to the Veteran’s Auditorium in Providence, RI on April 10, 2014 for a concert as detailed.
i. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1139.37 from the ECDC PCC for in-house enrichment.
j. I recommend acceptance of a check for $703.50 from the Parmenter PCC for a grade 3 field trip.

5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report
School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
School Committee Liaison Reports

6. New Business
To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.

7. Adjourn

FEF - Presentation Documents - for the School Committee meeting Oct 22, 2013

As announced recently, the Franklin Education Foundation (FEF) has awarded its latest grants to teachers in the Franklin schools. These awards will be handed out at the School Committee meeting on Tuesday, Oct 22, 2013.

The presentation that outlines the grant process and tells how the functions is as follows:

Sample grants from 1998-2013

The grants for this current 2013-14 school year

The full School Committee agenda can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/10/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda-oct_20.html

Proposal for dugouts for the softball fields at Remington-Jefferson

On the agenda for the School Committee meeting this Tuesday is a proposal for the installation of dugouts for the softball fields at the Remington-Jefferson school complex.

This document outlines the proposal and includes photo samples of dugouts on other softball fields in Franklin

The full School Committee agenda can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/10/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda-oct_20.html

Local educators create own economic stimulus

The Tri-County Teachers Association knows it receives a lot of support from parents, students, and others in the community and has found a way to say, “Thanks.”

At 3 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 21, members of the association are banding together to form a “cash mob” and unleashing an economic wallop at Terrazza, 210 Franklin Village Drive, in Franklin.

Terrazza

Cash mobs have become popular vehicles for supporting locally owned businesses. The “mob” selects a shop or business and then arrives en masse with each member committed to spending at least a minimum amount of money agreed upon by the group.

“Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School teachers know that the families in the communities we serve appreciate the work we do with their children. That support is vital in our ability to develop the best programs possible for our students” said Tri-County Teachers Association President Mary Taintor. “We as an association wanted to show our support for the communities that use our school. We know it’s been tough out there for local businesses, so we chose one for our ‘cash mob’ to visit. A lot of teachers like Terrazza, so that became an obvious choice for us.”

More about Terrazza can be found on their webpage http://www.terrazzahg.com/

Franklin Library: Bring Your Own Pumpkin

Monday's craft at the library will be pumpkin decorating. The library will provide the decorations, you bring your own pumpkin!

Bring your own pumpkin

This was re-posted from the Franklin Library
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2013/10/krafty-monday-byop.html

Saturday, October 19, 2013

FEF Grants for 2013-2014 School Year Announced

The Franklin Education Foundation (FEF) has awarded 13 grants totaling $24,874 for the 2013-2014 school year to teachers who represent all educational levels in the Franklin public school system. These teachers will be recognized on October 22, 2013 during the Franklin School Committee meeting held at 7:00 p.m. at the Franklin Town Hall.

Since its inception in 1997, the FEF has awarded approximately $300,000 in grants. A committee composed of FEF representatives and teachers read all proposals through a blind review process and selected the recipients. “Consideration was given to need, innovation, impact, and integration with other school programs” stated Kit Brady, President of the Franklin Education Foundation and Chair of the Grant Review Committee.

This year’s recipients are: Franklin High School – Ann Butler, FHS Science Café; Jane Hogan and Brenna Johnson, Artistic cultural installation in the new FHS; John Leighton and Mark Brady (Horace Mann Middle School), USB turntables for conversion of historic records; and Maria Weber, Binoculars for home-based astronomy.

franklined.org/

At the middle school level, recipients are: Horace Mann Middle School – Mark Brady, Rocketry club and educational program; Mark Brady, Rob Vacca, and Trishia Metrick, Settlers of Catan - Middle School History; Erin O'Leary, School-based audio book library; Nicole Wright and Nancy Schoen, Composition commission for middle school combined symphonic band; Shawn Fortin, Expansion of middle school “virtual” online courses; Remington Middle School – Janet Chitty, Nonfiction reading library for English language arts, social studies, and science.

At the elementary school level, FEF awards went to Jefferson School – Kris Carter, Enhancing the Grade K-5 Health Curriculum with Interactive Activities; and Parmenter School – Jean Wolf, K-5 Exemplar Texts; Tricia Capaldi, Educational Materials for Before/After School Academic Support Clubs.

Two yearly events, Casino Night and a Trivia bee, as well as an annual fund campaign, provide much appreciated support from businesses, families and organizations for the FEF grants. To see a list of programs the FEF has funded over the years, visit www.franklined.org. The Franklin Education Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit organization. All gifts are fully tax deductible.

Dean College: Halloween Happenings for Children

Franklin, MA -- The Dean College Office of Residence Life, Residence Hall Association and Dean Community Outreach will sponsor their third free annual Halloween Happenings event for local community children aged 2-7 years and their families on Sunday, October 27, 2013 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Woodward Hall, 94 Main Street in Franklin.

dean.edu

Children need not wear costumes but are welcome to show them off if they choose. Activities for children will include coloring, games, face painting, snack, movie and Trick-or-Treating. Every child will leave with a bag of goodies. Trick or Treat times are 2:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Families are welcome to stop by for 15 minutes or an hour. Children need not wear costumes but are welcome to show them off if they choose!

Parking for the building is located in the Dean College Chapman House parking lot on Rt 140/West Central Street. For GPS use 89 West Central Street for location. For more information contact Shannon Overcash Valverde, Director of Residence Life, at 508-541-1838.

In the News: Emily Wood, math meet, plea for leniency

Franklin native to appear on ‘Jeopardy!’

Answer: This local woman will appear on “Jeopardy!” on Wednesday, Oct. 23.
Question: Who is Waltham’s Emily Wood?

Local students to compete in math meet

Hundreds of high school students will gather at Worcester Polytechnic Institute for a competition Tuesday, but they won’t kick balls or swing bats.

Lawyer for disgraced chemist in drug lab scandal pleads for leniency

Prosecutors urged a judge Friday to sentence a Massachusetts chemist to up to seven years in prison if she pleads guilty in a drug-testing lab scandal that jeopardized thousands of criminal convictions and cost the state millions. Annie Dookhan, 35, of Franklin, faces a long list of criminal charges, including tampering with evidence, obstruction of justice and perjury for alleging faking test results at a now-closed state lab.

Friday, October 18, 2013

Les Miserables October 18, 19 and 20

For additional information on time and tickets, you can visit their webpage

FPAC - Les Miseables

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/10/les-miserables-oct-18-19-and-20.html

Candy alternatives for Halloween

We have shared recipes and other good postings from Lisa Leake who writes at the 100 Days of Real Food. Here she spends about 5 minutes with a bit on her local TV morning show talking about how to avoid giving out candy for Halloween.

For more from Lisa visit and subscribe to 100 Days of Real Food http://www.100daysofrealfood.com/

Powderly, Dellorco, Roy recognized

Wednesday night was the last Town Council meeting for Tina Powderly, Robert Dellorco and Jeffrey Roy. As State Representative, Jeff had the House prepare proclamations to recognize the work of Tina and Robert and presented these at the Council meeting.

Tina Powderly, Robert Dellorco and Rep Jeffrey Roy

The three individuals also received one of the large displays used to depict the different views of the new high school building.

Thanks to all three for their time and effort volunteering for Franklin!

If you missed what too place during the full meeting Wednesday, you can catch the summary and details here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/10/ichigo-ichie-cooks-farm-and-bunch-of.html

In the News: Ladybug 5K, drug lab case, vehicle break-ins

Ladybug 5K, kids' fun run this weekend in Franklin

The third annual Ladybug 5K Run/Walk will be held Saturday at Franklin's Kennedy Elementary School.

Plea to be discussed Friday in Dookhan drug lab case

Prosecutors and a lawyer for chemist Annie Dookhan of Franklin, charged in a far-reaching scandal at a state drug-testing lab, plan to meet with a judge Friday to discuss a possible guilty plea.

Franklin police report increase in vehicle break-ins

The police say there has been a recent increase in thefts from motor vehicles and are admonishing residents to lock up.

Thursday, October 17, 2013

Ichigo Ichie, Cook's Farm and a bunch of budget adjustments

Ichigo Ichie

The Town Council took up the Ichigo Ichie license suspension in a public hearing on Wednesday night's meeting. You may recall that the initial hearing on Sep 11th lead to a suspension of their license for 5 days. They appealed to the Alcohol Beverage Commission (ABC) and re-opened discussions with Franklin. According to the presentation by Franklin Attorney Mark Cerel, the town usually has an agreement with the party before the hearing. Due to some miss-communications around the consecutive days to be served (actual days in a row, not consecutive Fridays), the prior hearing had been entered into without an agreement. The miss-communication issues were resolved, an agreement was reached, and the appeal will be recinded to close the matter.

What had been a 5 days suspension with 3 days held in abeyance will now be a 4 day suspension with 4 days held in abeyance. The suspension of their liquor license will begin this Friday evening (Oct 18) and run through Monday (Oct 21).

Related posts

August notification of pending hearing
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/poor-handling.html

September hearing result
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/09/liquor-license-suspensions-to-be-served.html

Cook's Farm

What had been one of the most contentious discussions of this Town Council ultimately ended with the passage of a set of zoning bylaw amendments each by a 6-1 vote. With two councilors recusing themselves due to relations with the Cook family, and the requirement to obtain a 2/3 majority vote, the 6 votes was the minimum required for passage. The measures had been moved to the second reading by a 5-2 vote putting the measures in jeopardy.

What changed? One can observe that Councilor Roy's defense of the measure as meeting many of the goals and objectives of the recently approved "Master Plan" to be the turning point. There is still no consensus on this time as the Planning Board voted against approving the measures and the lone Council "no" vote had previously declared the same objections. On this day, enough votes were gathered and assuming the remaining steps in the process for approvals both by the town and the backers of the development make progress, then there will be a 35 unit housing development on the property.

Budget adjustments, funding approvals

With the bond sale to fund the new high school completed, the funds received were more than forecast so there were some technical adjustments to the FY 2014 budget which will result in a saving to the Franklin taxpayer. The tax bill increase for the new high school will be approx $35 less than forecasted.

With the Finance Committee endorsements, the Town Council also voted to fund the Senior Center stabilization account, the operational stabilization account, approve funds for paying the ambulance bills, and to hire a technician for the new high school.

This continues the fiscally prudent steps of putting some money aside now to be available later. The second floor of the Senior Center needs to be built out and these funds are accumulating to be able to do so in about 2016. The small house on Beaver St recently purchased by Franklin will be demolished to allow an expansion of the parking lot. This work will begin sooner as it will be required before the second floor is completed and brings additional folks to the Center.

House to be demolished

The full set of notes from my live reporting at the Town Council meeting can be found here

Powderly, Dellorco recognized
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/10/powderly-dellorco-roy-recognized.html

New sidewalk coming for Panther Way

One of the measures passed at Wednesday night's Town Council meeting was the acceptance of an easement to allow Franklin to install a sidewalk along the Vendetti property on Panther Way.

The sidewalk will improve the safety of walkers along that stretch of the road. Primary use would be for the new high school but the new Sculpture Park will also be a beneficiary.

Looking towards RT 140

Looking towards the Police Station

In the News: Cook's Farm, Ichigo Ichie

The Milford Daily News reports on the Cook's Farm zoning bylaws that passed by a 6-1 vote on Wednesday. Two councilors recused themselves from the topic (Bissanti and Mercer). The 'no' vote remained with Councilor Powderly. The one changed vote from the prior meeting was Councilor Jones.

Opponents of the project had said they believe it runs contrary to the development goals laid out in the updated master plan. However, Master Plan Committee Chairman Jeffrey Roy said that the project actually promotes many of the plan’s aims.

"(The project) indeed falls neatly under what we laid out for the town of Franklin," Roy said. "This will provide a very wonderful economic development opportunity."

In the public hearing before the Cook's Farm vote, the Town Council heard a new proposal for the liquor violation at Ichigo Ichie and the back story on how miss-communication had contributed to the issue.

Cerel suggested a four-day suspension with four days put aside for two years unless another offense should occur. If given the lighter sentence, Brazilian said that the restaurant would withdraw its appeal.

The council accepted the new suspension, ruling that the restaurant will not be able to serve alcohol from Friday to Monday.

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Live reporting - Closing

House citations for Robert Dellorco and Tina Powderly in recognition for their service to Franklin

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Thanks to the Fire Dept for the Open House

Ballot question is available, for Treasurer/Collector position

Mobile app - can be downloaded

Thanks for the last couple of year, whether the big legacy of the high school, DelCarte, Senior Center, you did good work, can take one of the presentation boards for the high school

L. OLD BUSINESS
Vallee - regarding Cottage St lot
Nutting - I did send email and haven't heard from them

Vallee - the problem with the fees at the recycling center
Nutting- we'll put that on a future agenda

M. NEW BUSINESS
Pfeffer - liquor violations, maybe we should adopt recommendations or a standard in practice

Bissanti - what are we doing with the abandoned properties?

Vallee - what are the contracts for construction hours for the spring, M-F business hours, the fixed schedule will be known in Spring
Nutting - we don't have any control over the contract, we don't have control over the hours, the State can. We can invite a lot of folks to the meeting

Mercer - anything we can share with the community on the traffic flow, the traffic will be chaos mostly
Nutting - this will be on the council Nov 13th

They might be too large to post but we can share pieces of them

N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Roy - thanks to all for the opportunity to serve, 4 superintendents, what a great opportunity to be part of such a great team. We may not have always agreed with the issue but we took on the role and worked it out.

Bissanti - fond farewell to Jeff and the others not returning. A great synergy. Hopefully I'll make it back and look forward to a great new council

Jones - thanks to Tina, Bob and Jeff. It has been wonderful to see how we have worked and accomplished together

Pfeffer - does sound something like an obituary, you can realize how much it is a bit harder than just sitting here

Vallee - thank you

Powderly - it has been an honor to work with all great folks, the staff are hardworking, schools need teachers back, some have been public some have been quite, it has been an honor

Kelly - The app is great, we'll fix the potholes in Medway just once . It has been enjoyable sitting next to them and I'll miss them.

Dellorco - thank the community for the honor, we had some arguments but we worked it out, we got alot accomplished. Fire, Police, DPW you do a great job. You better work together or I'll be back in a couple of years

Mercer - thanks for your years of service, you'll be missed

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

P. ADJOURN
motion to adjourn, passed 9-0

Live reporting - Legislation

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
none

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
Economic Development exploring options for the old municipal building, invited Dean College, the Downtown Partnership and others to share their ideas.

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 13-70: Acceptance of Easement for Public Sidewalk on Property at 411 West Central Street
side walk for the new high school (and the Sculpture Park)
sidewalk to be constructed next year
motion to approve, 9-0

2. Resolution 13-71: Adoption of FY 2014 Budget - Amended
motion to move resolution, passed 9-0
sale of bonds for the high school, we received a premium for the sale of the bonds
would be applied to savings for the tax payer, approx $38 savings
mostly book keeping

Roy - are you telling me at my last meeting, I can reduce tax payers bills

3. Resolution 13-72: Authorization to Appropriate Premium
motion to approve, passed 9-0
the bonds were sold in July and the money changed hands on August 15th 2013

4. Resolution 13-73:Transfer from Water Enterprise and Rescind Borrowing Authority (Resolution No. 10-66 Appropriation Funding Sources)
motion to waive the reading, seconded, passed 9-0
juggling the accounting, pay down this bond, releases another 7.5M bond for next council to make a decision on next year

5. Resolution 13-74: Appropriation: Chapter 90 Fund
motion to approve, passed 9-0

6. Resolution 13-75: Appropriation: Administration GASB 45 Actuary Study
motion to approve, passed 9-0
periodic re-analysis of the GASB outstanding obligation

7. Resolution 13-76: Appropriation: FY 2014 School Department Budget
motion to approve, passed 9-0
addition of $30,000 to School Dept budget for technology needs and transition to the new high school
Mercer - I support this
Kelly - is this temp or permanent?
Nutting - permanent, would be in their budget next year

8. Resolution 13-77: Appropriation: FY 2014 Fire Department Expenses
motion to approve, passed 9-0
$28,000 to cover ambulance billing
result of an audit finding to better maintain the receipts, cost of an outside service is this amount
Cheif Gary McCarragher, initial discussion had been for them to hold back their billing rather than invoicing us, that is not the case, we do need to cover the invoices

9. Resolution 13-78: Appropriation: Ambulance Purchase FY 2014
motion to approve, passed 9-0
6 year life on ambulances, seven month lead time, still investigating for a better deal, if we get it we'll spend less

10. Resolution 13-79: Appropriation: Roads/sidewalks/drainage/stormwater/and infrastructure, and all costs incidental and related thereto
motion to approve, passed 9-0
$500,000
the Capital Subcommittee did endorse the ambulance and does endorse this amount. We would like to do more but this is a start
Nutting - the DPW can come back in the spring with a plan on how this will be spent
Jones - what is the scuttlebutt on the relase of the fund?
Roy - the Legislature approved the funds the Governor has not released them, you can call and see what he says

11. Resolution 13-80: Appropriation: Senior Center Stabilization Fund
motion to approve, passed 9-0
$125,000 - this would make it $475,000
first thing to do would be to knock down the house and do the parking lot, then in 2016 do the second floor assuming all goes well

12. Resolution 13-81: Appropriation: Operating Budget Stabilization Fund
motion to approve, passed 9-0
$300,000 - this would be added to the current amount of $1M
plan on an increase of 10% increase in pension every year
the councilor that have chosen not to run, will miss some interesting times
the Council since 2008 has been pushing this community forward putting some money aside, balancing our budget and if everybody is working a little hard, welcome to America

13.Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-719: Amendment to Chapter 185of the Town Code, Attachment 9.
Schedule of Lot, Area, Frontage, Yard and Height Requirements – 2nd Reading
Recusing themselves Bissanti, Mercer
all five of these amendments are together

Roy - some folks don't feel this would fall within the Master Plan
go back to the initial statement, a plan for smart growth, etc.
provide for all affordability options, appropriate housing options
identifies a future demographic and goes right for that goal
workforce housing doesn't mean low income housing, it means those who are working can afford it
public transit is a walk away from this (the GATRA busing reaches the Municipal Bldg)
The most significant abutter is the Golf Course, you could have housing overlooking the course, where else in Franklin would you find this
paths for passive recreation, pond available for fishing and skating
in my judgement, this falls neatly in what we laid out for the Town of Franklin
Passed 6-1 (Powderly no)

14.Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-720: Amendment to Chapter 185, §4. Districts Enumerated – 2nd Reading
motion to waive reading, passed
Passed 6-1 (Powderly no)

15.Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-721: Amendment to Chapter 185, §5. Zoning Map- 2nd Reading
motion to waive reading, passed
Passed 6-1 (Powderly no)

16.Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-722: Amendment to Chapter 185, §50. Residential VII Zoning District – 2nd Reading
motion to waive reading, passed
Nutting thanks to the Planning Dept, this is 25 bylaw changes this year and the Master Plan, a whole lot of work
Passed 6-1 (Powderly no)

17.Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-723: Amendment to Chapter 185, Use Regulation Schedule – 2nd Reading
motion to waive reading, passed
Passed 6-1 (Powderly no)

Live reporting: License transaction

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
– Tastebuds Fresh Marketplace- New Wine and Malt Package Store License
located at 470A King St

butcher shop, deli, prepared foods, craft beers and upscale wines
owner has been in the business for over 30 years
just under a 1000 sq ft

motion to approve, passed 9-0

Live reporting: Town Council meeting - Oct 16, 2103

Present: Mercer, Dellorco, Kelly, Powderly, Vallee, Pfeffer, Jones, Bissanti, Roy
Absent: none

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
– August 7, 2013
motion to approve, passed 9-0

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS – This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by Franklin Matters.

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
Susan Dewsnap, new Chair of the Finance Committee
thanks to Jim Roche outgoing Chair
looking to be a very active committee, looking to partner
Committee recommends to vote for the appointed position of Treasurer
considered the qualifications, skill level certification, etc. Debt management, is a lot more complex over the years

E. APPOINTMENTS

F. HEARINGS
- Ichigo Ichie – Reconsideration of Penalty for Violation of M.G.L. 138 §34:
Sale, Delivery of, Furnishing of an Alcoholic Beverage to a person under the age of 21

Jeff Roy recused himself

Mark Cerel recaps on some mis-communications that lead to a challenge
appeal filed with the ABC
further discussion to attempt to resolve
prepared to accept what would have been the initial recommendation
4 days server, four held in abeyance
we haven't have three offenses, two have not been common

John Brasilian
thanks to Cerel and Nutting for openness to discuss this, mis-communication on my part
if it had been understood at the beginning we would have accepted.
we will withdraw the appeal to the ABC
the recertifications that have taken place will go a long way to helping this re-occurring in the future
I would ask an adoption of this recommendation

Pfeffer
so this would be 4 days in a row starting Friday

motion to close hearing
approved, 8-0

motion to have penalty as four days served, four days held in abeyance
amending our original decision
upon passage will withdraw the appeal
passed 8-0

Solar Farm (update)

The solar farm installed at Mount St Mary's Abbey is still being worked on. While many of the solar panels have been placed, there is more to do.

solar panels

The chain link fence has been completed since I visited last time. A row of juniper bushes (I think?) have been added as a green wall to shield the solar farm from view

fencing completed, juniper bushes added

There are still sections of panels to install to complete the solar farm.

more solar panels to install

Franklin TV - Annual Meeting - Nov 14th

Franklin TV will hold its annual meeting on Thursday, Nov 14th at the Senior Center beginning at 6:30 PM.

Additional info about the meeting can be found in the following PDF notification:

You can also find out more about Franklin TV by visiting their webpage http://franklin.tv/

Set your calendar: HMEA is a Finalist in Nationwide Contest to win new Toyota

HMEA has made the news again!!!

Now you can help!!

Please save this Saturday October 19^th to vote for HMEA at www.100carsforgood.com so we can win a new Toyota to support our Meals on wheels program. This is our program where supported individuals with disabilities and staff deliver meals to home – bound seniors and veterans here in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

Read about it here

http://www.milforddailynews.com/newsnow/x1868850520/Franklin-based-HMEA-named-finalist-in-Toyota-100-Cars-For-Good-program

This is the only day that you can vote for HMEA sp please be sure to do so and to share with your family and friends who have Facebook pages so they can vote for us too.

There are only 5 charities selected for that day and the top two receiving the most votes get the Toyota vehicle of their choice!!

In fact you can log in right now and set a reminder to be sent to you!!

Thank you for your support.

Take care,

Doug MacPherson

Vice President, Development and Public Relations

HMEA, 8 Forge Park East

Franklin, MA 02038

(508) 298-1105

Help us win a Toyota Sienna!

On October 19, search for Horace Mann and vote at www.100carsforgood.com

For more about HMEA and the work they do, please visit their webpage http://www.hmea.org/

Franklin Education Foundation - Casino Night - Nov 2, 2013

Details on the Franklin Education Foundation - Casino Night - Nov 2, 2013 can be found in this PDF:

"concerns regarding a proposed development for Cook’s Farm"

The Town Council meeting will be an interesting one tonight given the reporting in the Milford Daily News today on a pre-meeting between the Citizens Committee and at least one member of the Planning Board..

Both the council and Citizens Committee believe the proposed development offers aesthetic and financial benefits to the town.

However, Planning Board Chairman Anthony Padula opposes the project, saying it does not suit that area and could burden the town with increased traffic and costs if it results in more school-aged children.

Padula said a smaller project — nine homes at most — would be a better fit for the parcel.
But Citizens Committee Chairman Larry Benedetto said the Cook’s Farm proposal presents several opportunities that the town cannot ignore.

That area, he said, is viewed as a "gateway to Franklin," and Roux’s development, with its high-end condos, serves as a better welcome sign than a farm dotted with dilapidated buildings.

In the News: mattress fundraiser, Cars for Good

FHS music boosters plan mattress fundraiser, Oct. 19

Part of Franklin High School will be transformed into a mattress showroom on Saturday, Oct. 19 as the Franklin Music Boosters sponsor a unique fundraiser that has been very successful with other music and sports programs locally.

Franklin-based HMEA named finalist in Toyota 100 Cars For Good program

In a nationwide contest, Franklin-based organization Horace Mann Educational Associates (HMEA) was selected as one of 250 finalists in Toyota’s 100 Cars for Good program, which will award vehicles to 100 nonprofit organizations based on votes from the public.

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Franklin High School - construction progress

Starting around the back, where the finish work on the outside is taking place

backside of the new FHS

exterior finish trim being added to the stairwell

finish work on exterior trim

full view of backside of FHS

The front corner which holds the principal's office is now a 'blue tower'

the blue tower

corner view of the front

two more 'towers' along the front being bricked

brickwork on the front of FHS

And finally to the far end where the gymnasium is located

gymnasium

The collection of updates on the new FHS can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/12/collection-high-school-building-project.html

Senior Center - Veterans Breakfast - Nov 8, 2013

Contact the Senior Center to sign up 508-520-4945

Veterans Breakfast - Nov 8, 2013

Additional info on the Senior Center and its programs can be found on their webpage
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Senior/index

In the News: pumpkin carving, hire technician, i495 crash

Pumpkin carving contest planned in Franklin

The Franklin Historical Museum is hosting a Pumpkin Carving Contest on Sunday Oct. 27.

Franklin School Dept. looks to hire new tech position

The School Department is requesting $30,000 to hire an additional technology specialist, saying the position will help with the transition into the new high-tech Franklin High School.

Two sent to hospital after crash on I-495 in Franklin

Two people were taken by ambulance to Milford Regional Medical Center with non-life threatening injuries on Monday morning after a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 495.

Monday, October 14, 2013

Fire Dept - Open House (photo essay)

The Fire Dept held its annual Open House on Sunday at Station #2 on King St. I stopped by just before noon and Chief Gary McCarragher said that it had been real busy since it first opened at 10:00 AM.

The Fire Dept has an equipment rotation practice where a vehicle will serve on the front line for some number of years and then move to a 'reserve' status. In reserve status it is put into service if repairs are needed on the front line equipment. This enables the Fire Dept to maintain a high level of service at all times.

Franklin Rescue 1

The quarterly performance report for the Fire Dept is available on their webpage. The most recent can be found here http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Fire/Q1%2014%20Dashboard.pdf

Prior quarter reports can be found here http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Fire/Quarterly%20Performance%20Scorecard

Franklin Engine 2

A complete set of pictures of the two fire stations and all the equipment the Fire Dept has please visit their webpage here http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Fire/stations

Equipment lined up in front of Station #2

This vehicle is currently targeted for replacement and the vote is scheduled for the Town Council meeting this Wednesday, Oct 16th. You can view the full agenda for the Town Council meeting here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/10/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-oct-16.html

Franklin Rescue 3

Some of the tools of the trade are laid out for display.

some of the tools of the trade

Thanks to the Chief and all the members of the Fire Dept for their hard work and attention to detail in keeping Franklin safe!

Franklin Art Association - Fall Show - Nov 16-17, 2013

The prospectus and application for artist looking to show their works in the Fall Show for the Franklin Art Association can be viewed (and downloaded) here.

The Fall Show is scheduled for the weekend of Nov 16-17 and will be held at the Bellingham Library.

Additional information on the Franklin Art Association can be found on their webpage
http://www.franklinart.org/

"part of an Italian tradition"

Did you know Franklin has a school that teaches you how to make wine in the Italian tradition? This article in the Milford Daily News introduces us to Bob Vozzella and La Cantina Wine School.

On Saturday, Professore di Vino Vozzella, as he has taken to calling himself, taught a group of students how to press the grapes, which had fermented a couple of weeks within special tubs. The wine would be a zinfandel.

Wearing black T-shirts with the words "Crush Crew," they were scooping the rich violet grapes into the press. The work left their hands covered in the same color.

Robert Alario, one of the pupils, enrolled at Vozzella’s school to relive some of his childhood. "I use to make wine with my father," the 59-year-old Fitchburg resident said. "This brings back incredibly fond memories."

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1868850256/Franklin-man-uncorks-wine-school#ixzz2hh0inIaS

You can find out more about the wine making school by visiting their webpage
http://lacantinawineschool.com/

Rep Roy: Office Hours for October 2013

State Representative Jeffrey Roy (D-Franklin) announced today that constituent office hours will be held in Medway and Franklin for the Month of October on the following days:

Franklin – Wednesday October 23rd, 5:30-6:30PM, Room 205, Franklin Municipal Building – 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA
Medway – Friday October 25th, 7:30-8:30AM, Galantes Restaurant – 320 Village Street, Medway, MA

Christopher Yancich, his legislative aide, will be accompanying him.

Representative Roy stated that all office hours are open to any residents of Franklin and Medway who may have questions or concerns that they wish to bring to his attention. Walk-ins are welcome; no appointment necessary. He looks forward to hearing from you.

He also invites all constituents to call him at his State House office at (617) 722-2400, stop by Room 134 in the State House, or email him at Jeffrey.Roy@MAhouse.gov.