Franklin Matters

Thursday, January 2, 2014

Schools Closed Friday, January 3, 2014

A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

Good Afternoon
This is a message from the office of the Superintendent of Schools. Based on inclement weather conditions, all Franklin Public Schools will be closed on Friday, January 3rd.

Stay safe.

This e-mail has been sent to you by FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message. If you wish to discontinue this service, please inform FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT either IN PERSON, by US MAIL, or by TELEPHONE at 508-613-1777.

When are the Christmas trees going to be picked up?

According to the most recent recycling newsletter, the trees are scheduled for pickup during the week of Jan 6th. Like prior years, I would expect it to be scheduled for the day of your normal trash pickup.

Page 2 of the flyer attached here has the calendar with the week of Jan 6th marked for the special collection of Christmas trees

You can also find the flyer on the Franklin webpage here:
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Recycling/WM_00218_Franklin%206pg_rWEB.PDF

Planning for 2014

Milford Daily News takes a look at what the local communities are planning for in 2014.

In Franklin, the new Franklin High School is set to be completed in the summer and open in the fall, said Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting.

The town will be reimbursed 59 percent from the MSBA for the $103.5 million, 300,000-square-foot high school.

Also, a nearly $7 million project is planned for downtown funded with state aid and a federal grant. The project calls for repaving and widening roads and sidewalks and installing new traffic lights and signs.

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Happy New Year - welcome 2014!

2014 is upon us. 2013 is no longer. What did we learn to help us prepare?

There are changes taking place all the time. Some are more obvious than others. Artistry Kitchen is continuing their preparations to open downtown.

Artistry Kitchens

The commuters from the Franklin/Dean College station would have noticed that the coffee shop operated by the Cake Bar has closed.

coffee shop at Depot Station has closed; The Cake Bar remains open on East Central St

The challenges around us can be better met with coordination, collaboration and communication.

The answer to Tuesday's "Where in Franklin?" photo was provided by: Jamie Barrett

The tree is the large one on the Dean College campus in front of their dorm building on Main St, next to the Library.

answer to Where in Franklin 2013 08

This will be the only post today. Enjoy the time with your family and friends.

If you really need something to read you dig into the archives. for example, pick a day, any day and then see what was posted on that date in 2013. Then go to the same date in 2012, and so forth back to 2008.

thanks to the Franklin Downtown Partnership for the holiday decorations

If you like what you read here, please tell your friends and neighbors
If you don't like what you read here, please tell me!

Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Where in Franklin? - 2013 08

Monday's photo was correctly identified by several folks but first by Susan Gagne. It is the water trough located on the triangle in downtown Franklin. When the construction to return Main St to two-way traffic happens during 2014, there is supposed to be a place for this to remain downtown.

A more complete view of the water trough crafted by Joseph Jenks Jr can be seen here

answer to Where in Franklin 2013 07

And for our final picture for this round, where in Franklin would you be viewing this tree?

Where in Franklin? - 2013 08

Send an email, or leave a comment with your answer.
First correct answer is the winner.
Complete guidelines for "Where in Franklin?" can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/12/2013-where-in-franklin.html

Annual Report 2013: Conservation Commission

Appropriately, our exploration of the Franklin Annual Report for 2013 has brought us to the Conservation Commission. They would like us to continue to explore Franklin's natural resources!

The Franklin Conservation Commission is responsible for promoting and developing the natural resources of Franklin and protecting the watershed resources of Franklin. A large part of the Commission’s attention is directed to administering Massachusetts and Franklin wetland protection laws. In short, those laws require the Commission to hold public hearings or meetings before issuing a permit to work in or within 100 feet of a wetland, or 200 feet of a perennial stream.

The Commission is comprised of up to seven volunteer residents appointed for three year terms by the Town Administrator. The Commission also has up to two non-voting associate members. The members of the Commission have diverse professional experience related to environmental science, biology, engineering, landscape design, and project management. Because of their different backgrounds each commissioner is able to offer a different perspective during the review of applications for a wetland permit that ultimately benefits Franklin.

In September 2012, the Town hired Michele Grenier, as Conservation Agent. Michele is a Professional Wetland Scientist with over 30 years experience in the field.

Franklin was well represented at the annual conference of the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions in March, attending classes and workshops and talking with other Commissioners from across the state as well as lawyers, ecologists and engineers active in Conservation.

Last year, the EPA adopted regulations to reduce the amount of phosphorus in storm water runoff into the Charles River basin, with Franklin, Bellingham and Milford as the pilot communities. These regulations are in response to the public health threat posed by outbreaks of toxic algae blooms downstream fostered by high levels of phosphorus from storm water runoff. These regulations will require properties with more than two acres of imperious surfaces to improve storm water runoff treatment. Currently these regulations remain at a standstill as the EPA continues to work out the regulatory details. The Commission monitors the status of these regulations while encouraging and advising on appropriate stormwater management practices where applicable in Conservation jurisdiction.

The Commission continues to work on the DelCarte area (aka the Franklin Reservoirs) off of Pleasant Street. There are a series of seven “structures” (six are dams that had been originally used for cranberry farming, the seventh is a stone wall that beavers had dammed) along Miller brook thru the 100+ acre DelCarte area. The dams are identified serially from Dam #1 located closest to downtown adjacent to the MBTA Dean station to #6 located furthest downstream, closest to Miller Street. Last year, Tighe and Bond, Inc. submitted a notice of intent for rehabilitation of dams #3 and #4 and the work has been completed.

The Commission would like to draw the attention of the Town’s residents to the many protected natural areas in Town and the opportunities for passive recreation they enable:

The DelCarte area has parking off of Pleasant Street, with walking trails through woodlands along a series of ponds;

The Town Forest has good access points off of both Summer Street and Russet Hill Road with a network of walking trails thru woodlands and across Uncas Brook;

There is a network of walking trails that cross Shepards Brook and go thru fields and woods behind Dacey Recreation Area off Lincoln Street;

Indian Rock has good access off of both King Phillip Road and Lost Horse Trail with walking trails thru woodlands near two large vernal pools and to the top of historic Indian Rock;

The Metacomet Land Trust owns several pieces of protected land, notably the walking trails off of Bridle Path and The Lady Bug Trail near JFK school;

The Franklin State Forest is accessible off of Grove Street and Forge Hill Road and boasts an extensive network of walking and ORV trails;

The SNETT trail goes all the way to Douglas. There is a Town parking lot off of Grove Street;

The expansive marsh near Interstate 495 exit #17 is the US Army Corp of Engineers Natural Valley Flood Storage Project, preserved to protect against downstream flooding in the Charles River basin. That marsh is along Mine Brook, the largest stream in town, draining about half of Franklin, starting at the extreme south end of Franklin, passing underneath Washington Street, Beaver Street, 495, Grove Street, West Central Street, 495 again, Beech Street, and Pond Street before finally meeting the Charles River on the Medway border.

Other significant streams in Franklin include Shepards Brook, Miller Brook, Uncas Brook and Bubbling Brook. Lake Populatic is part of the Charles River, the other navigable ponds in Franklin are Beaver Pond, Uncas Pond, and Spring (Green’s) Pond.

There are many other natural areas in Franklin waiting to be explored.

Conservation Commission Members:
Regan Ballantyne - Chair
Ray Willis - Vice Chair
Andy Tolland
Monique Allen
Jon Fournier
Jeff Livingstone
Marc Depoto
Margaret Stolfa - Associate Member
Andrew Riordan - Associate Member

Respectfully submitted,

Regan Ballantyne, Chair

Please visit our website for additional information including application forms, and regularly posted Conservation Commission agendas and meeting minutes at www.franklin.ma.us.

The full annual report can be obtained from the Town Clerk's office (hard copy) or viewed and/or downloaded from the Franklin website here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/annual/2013report.pdf

Annual reports of prior years can also be found online at
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/annual/

Franklin Matters: Year in Review - December 2013

Franklin Town Common

We had some fun playing with "Where in Franklin?"
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2007/11/where-in-franklin-summary.html

A visit to the DelCarte playground was captured with a short video
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/12/delcarte-playground-december-update.html

A brief video of the snow on the Town Common was timed nicely to capture the bells of St Mary's as they rang http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/12/snow-and-bells-of-st-marys-video.html

The fiscal policy that Franklin operates by is undergoing a review and possible update, the working draft can be found here http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/12/franklin-fiscal-policy-draft-update.html

If you like what you read here, please tell your friends and neighbors
If you don't like what you read here, please tell me!

Franklin Matters: Year in Review - November 2013

Rapidly coming to the close of 2013 we don't have to go back too far in the archives to find November. Did you remember

The NY Times article mentioning the preservation of Franklin's gift from Ben
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/none-of-those-books-will-ever-be-read.html

Recent photos of the construction progress on the new high school
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/the-exterior-of-new-fhs-building-is.html

The DelCarte playground work is almost complete
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/delcarte-playground-construction.html

The Turkey Trot collected food good sand funds to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry

The new Town Council held a planning workshop to lay out the priority on topics to be addressed by the Council http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/live-reporting-town-council-workshop.html

"The bear' was installed at the Sculpture Park (video)
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/franklin-sculpture-park-bear-video.html

Construction downtown will create an opportunity for 2014
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/downtown-improvement-project.html

The Franklin election results were very disappointing as only 11.5% of the registered voters cast their ballot
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/precinct-totals-for-nov-5th-election.html

Franklin Art Center: Zentangle Classes

Franklin Art Center

All ages and abilities can learn Zentangle with The Traveling Tangler this winter. This easy-to-learn drawing method　with an emphasis on working one line at a time, enables participants to builds simple penstrokes into unique intricate designs.In January and February, opportunities to tangle will be offered at two local locations. Tangle Time classes will be held at Franklin Art Center (Sunday afternoons starting Jan. 12, 12:30-2 p.m., $15 per class or $90 for all seven classes).

Meeting notes archive for 2013

2013

Master Plan - Public Hearing

Planning Board - 06/03/2013 (anaerobic digestion)

School Building Committee (Davis Thayer renovation options)

School Committee - 07/16/13

(due to conflict with Franklin Food Pantry Board of Directors meetings also held on Tuesday, I did not get to many of them)

Town Council - 12/11/13
Town Council - 12/04/13
Town Council - 11/20/13 (2014 planning workshop)
Town Council - 11/13/13
Town Council - 10/16/13
Town Council - 10/02/13
Town Council - 09/25/13
Town Council - 09/11/13
Town Council - 08/07/13
Town Council - 07/31/13 (special workshop on zoning bylaws)
Town Council - 07/17/13
Town Council - 06/19/13
Town Council - 06/05/13
Town Council - 05/16/13 (budget hearing and vote)
Town Council - 05/15/13 (budget hearing)
Town Council - 05/01/13
Town Council - 04/24/13
Town Council - 04/03/13
Town Council - 03/06/13
Town Council - 02/06/13
Town Council - 01/23/13
Town Council - 01/09/13

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Monday, December 30, 2013

Dec 31: All lines (except the Fairmount Line) will run additional and delayed late-night service from North Station and South Station.

Dec 31: All lines (except the Fairmount Line) will run additional and delayed late-night service from North Station and South Station.

Start of day Tues 12/31/13 until 3:00 AM Wed 1/1/14

Last Updated: 12/30/2013 5:23:44 PM

Click here for more information: http://www.mbta.com/events/

Sent by the MBTA. Manage subscriptions Manage account Help (or write subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com)

Where in Franklin? - 2013 07

The Sunday photo was correctly identified by Jamie Barrett as the playground at Jefferson Elementary School.

Jefferson Elementary School

Here is today's challenge - Where in Franklin do you find this?

Where in Franklin? - 2013 07

Annual Report 2013: Charles River Pollution Control District (CRPCD)

Continuing the trip through the Franklin Annual Report for 2013, we come to the section on the Charles River Pollution Control District. If you ever wondered why Franklin doesn't have a waste water treatment plant within town like other communities do, this is the reason. Franklin sends its waste water to the plant location in Medway for treatment.

During Fiscal Year 2013, the Charles River Pollution Control District’s (District) regional advanced wastewater treatment facility received and treated approximately 1,600 million gallons (4.4 million gallons per day) of raw wastewater, including 6.5 million gallons of septage from the District’s member and customer towns before discharge to the Charles River. The volume of waste treated was lower than the previous year due to a decrease in precipitation.

The District is anticipating the renewal process to begin for its National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit for discharge of its treated wastewater to the Charles River. Under the preliminary draft NPDES permit, the District and the Towns of Franklin, Medway, Millis, and Bellingham will have to maintain an ongoing preventive maintenance program to prevent overflows and bypasses caused by malfunctions or failures of the sewer system and an infiltration and inflow reduction program. In addition, the new limit for phosphorus is being reduced from 0.2 mg/L to 0.1 mg/L in the summer months and a winter limit of 1.0 mg/L is being added.

CDM Smith and staff from the District prepared a 20-year capital improvement plan (CIP) to improve the wastewater treatment facility to meet more stringent NPDES permitting requirements and provide a more reliable wastewater treatment facility at its current capacity.

In July 2010, the District was informed of its acceptance on the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (Mass DEP) Bureau of Resource Protection Calendar Year 2010 Intended Use List for State Revolving Funding (SRF). In order to expedite the designs and proceed with the project in a timely manner, the CIP was divided into three phases (A, B and C).

Phase A, which has reached substantial completion, includes the replacement of both primary clarifier mechanisms, addition of two screenings washer/compactors in the wet well, primary scum handling improvements, and plant lighting and security improvements.

Phase B, the capping of the on-site residuals landfill, is also substantially complete.

Phase C, focuses on reducing phosphorus, improving the disinfection system, and extending the life of the facility for an additional 20 years. This phase is currently being designed with bidding scheduled for this fall. Construction is expected to begin in early 2014. A District-wide Global Information System was developed as part of this phase to assist with infiltration and inflow reduction requirements.

The District funded Phases A and B with a 20-year State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan of approximately $3.5M for costs associated with bidding, construction, and resident engineering. Planning and design costs for these phases were paid from the District’s capital budget. Planning and design costs for Phase C, which are not eligible for SRF loans, will be funded by a General Obligation Bond of approximately $1.95M. The total project cost is still under review and will become more detailed as design progresses.

The District is one of seven municipal wastewater treatment plants selected by the Mass DEP to participate in a pilot program that involves energy auditing, assessments for renewable and clean energy possibilities, and support of implementation for energy related projects. The purpose of this pilot program is to reduce the amount of energy used at municipal wastewater treatment plants by 20%, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions and saving municipalities money. The District was granted $847,583 through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to install a 20 kW solar voltaic array and two turbo style blowers. The solar panels will produce energy onsite whereas the turbo blowers will provide oxygen to the secondary treatment system using approximately 30% less power than the existing blowers. The District is anticipating a 20% reduction in energy costs from these energy improvements. At this time, the solar voltaic array is producing energy which is used at the treatment plant and the turbo blowers provide oxygen to the activated sludge process.

The District’s Fiscal Year 2014 budget is 8.3% lower than the previous years’ budget. The District’s FY 2014 budget for operations and maintenance is $3,033,690, while the capital projects budget is $643,150. Franklin’s share of the operation and maintenance and capital projects budgets are estimated to be $1,771,040 and $386,000, respectively.

Respectively submitted

Douglas M. Downing, Chairman (Medway)
William J. Goode, Jr., Vice-Chairman (Franklin)
Alfred H. Wahlers, Clerk, (Franklin)
Paul J. DeSimone (Medway)
Gene Guidi, (Franklin)

CRPCD Officers:
Cheri R. Cousens, P.E., Executive Director
Emma J. Catalano, Treasurer
Barbara Maffeo, Executive Secretary
Cornetta, Ficco, Simmler, and Vallee, Legal Counsel

Franklin Municipal Building

Franklin Matters: Year in Review - October 2013

not too long ago, the archives contained some good stuff from October:

The candidates in contested elections got together for a forum to share their views
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/10/candidates-forum-oct-23-2013.html

The foundation for the playground at DelCarte Open Space was laid down. It was a gorgeous fall day for photos http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/10/delcarte-open-space-photo-essay.html

The Town Council resolved the license suspension appeal from Ichigo Ichies as well as gave the final approval for the Cook's Farm approval
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/10/ichigo-ichie-cooks-farm-and-bunch-of.html

The Fire Dept held its annual Open House at the #2 Fire Station on King St
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/10/fire-dept-open-house-photo-essay.html

Find a pothole or street light out? Use the new smart phone app to report this!
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/10/yes-franklin-has-app-for-that.html

Franklin Matters: Year in Review - September 2013

The year in review continues to dig into the archives and now we find ourselves in September...

The Library Book Sale put on by the Friends of the Library was canceled by the Library Board of Directors
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/09/denied-request-without-further.html

The Cook's Farm proposal moved to a second reading after a divided council voted
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/09/divided-council-moves-zoning-bylaw.html

wrought iron fencing was added to Dean College

The lineup of candidates for the November Franklin election had few races
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/09/franklins-election-lineup-set.html

After much good work by the Master Plan Committee, the 'Master Plan' was updated and brought to the Town Council http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/09/live-reporting-master-plan.html

“It’s easy for people to find a reason to oppose casinos”

Major funding sources in the state’s budget for the coming year and years to come may be eliminated if two ballot initiatives to be considered in the November 2014 election are successful next year.

Seven ballot initiatives have already received enough signatures - 68,911 - to be placed on the ballot next year. Among them are calls to repeal the casino legislation and the automatic gas tax increase, both of which are tied to sources of revenue for the coming fiscal or future fiscal years.

However, the leaders of the initiatives say their cause outweighs these budget concerns.

Sunday, December 29, 2013

Where in Franklin? - 2013 06

The answer to Saturday's "Where In Franklin?" photo was initially correctly identified by Maura O'Brien via email. She subscribes to receive the daily email with what has been posted for that day. If you don't already subscribe via email, you can sign up here. (Note: it is a two step process. You add you email and then need to confirm it before you receive the next day's email.)

Where in Franklin? 2013 05 - near the Ben Franklin statue at the Library

The granite bench is one of a series that you can find around the brick plaza outside the Library where the Ben Franklin status is.

The tip of the bench is seen in the left corner of this photo

And for today's photo, where in Franklin would you be playing?

Where in Franklin? - 2013 06

Annual Report 2013: Town Attorney

Continuing our journey through the Franklin, MA Annual Report for 2013 we find the section on the Town Attorney

The Town has an in-house attorney, Mark G. Cerel. Attorney Cerel has an office in the Town Administration offices and works three days a week. In addition, he attends regular Council sessions and meetings of town boards and commissions on an as needed basis. His responsibilities include providing legal advice to the Town Administrator and other town officials, review and drafting of legal documents, and representation of the town in negotiations and litigation other than labor-related matters. Having an in-house attorney has enabled town officials to obtain prompt legal review and advice; it has also expedited various town projects which require legal input.

During the past year, Attorney Cerel has continued to be successful not only in resolving actual litigation but also in resolving disputes prior to litigation on terms favorable to the Town; he has also continued to draft proposed legislation and to be involved in contract and real estate negotiations. In addition, he has continued to work with the staff to review and update the Town's zoning and general bylaws.

An in-house attorney plays an essential role in limiting the town’s legal exposure. He assists in resolving matters before they result in legal action and he provides the town with a strong legal presence that discourages people from filing frivolous lawsuits. The Town Attorney represents the town and is only available to consult with individual residents if the Town Administrator’s prior approval is obtained.

Respectfully submitted,

Mark Cerel
Town Attorney

Franklin Municipal Building

Franklin Matters: Year in Review - August 2013

The end of summer came in August with the start of school before Labor Day and a flurry of news items

The allegation and suspension of a Franklin High School teacher
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/lets-note-that-this-is-all-about.html

A new drop off pattern for parents at the high school
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/high-school-traffic-pattern.html

New traffic speed signs were added to King St at the crossing to the Parmenter School
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/getting-ready-to-slow-down-on-king-st.html

The School Building Committee heard an update on the High School and the options proposed for Davis Thayer http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/school-committee-has-work-to-do.html

Warrant Officer David Bullukian, Jr.

A series of posts to share Franklin's Fallen Heroes from World War II
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-fallen-heroes-series.html

Franklin Matters: Year in Review - July 2013

Half way through the archives for 2013, we find ourselves in July

The Town Council, Planning Board and others held a special meeting to talk through the zoning issues for the proposed high density development at Cook's Farm
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/07/live-reporting-town-council-special.html

The Community Garden was in full bloom
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/07/community-gardens-photo-essay.html

Growing in the Franklin Community Garden

The timeline for the local election to be held November 5th was announced
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/07/franklins-local-election-timeline.html

The school district conducted a survey on the school calendar and published the results
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/07/school-calendar-survey-results.html

With the school construction underway, there were no fireworks for the 4th of July. Whether there will be for 2014 or not remains to be seen. We did share a video of the 2012 fireworks.
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/07/franklins-fireworks-2012-edition.html

Saturday, December 28, 2013

Where in Franklin? - 2013 05

The answer to yesterday's "Where in Franklin?" photo was correctly identified by Candi Lawrence Leeseberg on Facebook as Panther Way. Franklin signed an easement with Vendetti Motors earlier this year. The sidewalk is planned to be completed as part of the new high school project.

Panther Way - to get a new sidewalk as part of the high school project

For today's photo - "Where in Franklin" would you be?

Where in Franklin? - 2013 05

Annual Report 2013: Franklin TV

Continuing our series of sharing sections of the 2013 Annual Report of Franklin, MA we have Franklin TV

In November 2011 the town of Franklin incorporated Franklin Community Cable Access, Inc. (FCCA) d/b/a Franklin TV as an educational, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization to run the community’s three local cable channels. In taking up the charter of the cable committee, we are submitting this report as a nongovernmental body that maintains a close working relationship with municipal agencies, other nonprofit organizations and civic groups.

In February 2012 a seven member board of directors was elected to run the corporation. In March, 2012 the town funded FCCA through the licensing fees collected from Comcast and Verizon. No taxpayer dollars are used to maintain and operate the community cable access studios.

In April 2012 the board hired Peter Fasciano as its executive director to run the day to day operations. The first order of business was to stabilize our technical operation and brand our three channels.

Our channels are:
Franklin All Access TV,
Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 26),
Franklin Pride,
Our Educational Channel (Comcast 96, Verizon 28),
Franklin Town Hall TV,
Our Government Channel, (Comcast 11, Verizon 29).

Throughout the past 16 months, Franklin TV has upgraded its equipment and broadcast signal. We continue to work with Comcast to have them carry our channels in a digital format. Our cameras are now recording programs in HD, waiting for Comcast and Verizon will provide HD channel support.

Franklin.TV is our web site. Our weekly programming schedule is posted along with information about the station and contact information for posting messages to our Community Bulletin Board (CBB).

In February 2013 we purchased the market building at 23 Hutchinson St to serve as our new home and broadcast studios. Construction will soon be underway to renovate the building and add a 1200 Sq Ft studio in the rear. The site will provide Franklin and its residents with a free, open access, state of the art Media and Arts Center.

The Corporation is fully committed to serving the community. In April 2013 we entered into a PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) agreement with the town, becoming the first nonprofit organization to do so. We have also installed three small live TV facilities (video control systems and audio mixers with three cameras at each location) at two middle schools and at the high school. In June we awarded our $1,000 scholarship to Andrew Cyr, a deserving Franklin senior studying Communications. We are active members of the Downtown Partnership and Greater Attleboro Chamber of Commerce. We are working closely with other nonprofit and benevolent groups in Franklin to promote their mission goals and good works.

We are very thankful to the cable committee and local officials for their prudent planning and foresight in managing the access studios in the years prior to our formation, thus insuring a bright future for both Franklin TV and the Franklin Community.

Respectfully submitted,

Ken Norman,
President, FCCA, Inc.

one of the three channels, Franklin Town Hall TV

http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/annual/

Franklin Matters: Year in Review - June 2013

Strolling through the archives for 2013, we find ourselves in June

Tension did rise during the discussion about the Cook's Farm proposal
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/06/tensions-rise-over-cooks-farm-and.html

The Town Council put forward the question on whether we should have a mayor or not?
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/06/should-franklin-have-mayor.html

Construction on the new high school brought out the bricks!
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/06/yes-there-are-bricks.html

Across town there was construction on the solar farm at Mount St Mary's Abbey
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/06/mount-st-marys-solar-farm.html

BMAC's campaign to go down under caught a lot of attention
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/06/franklin-town-council-sends-bmac-down.html

An for the time being at least, anaerobic digestion was tabled
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/06/anaerobic-digestion-tabled-in-franklin.html

Franklin Matters: Year in Review - May 2013

Stepping back into the archives for Mary 2013 we find

Photos of the parade on Memorial Day
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/05/memorial-day-parade-photos.html

The new word added to our vocabulary was "anaerobic digestion"
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/05/anaerobic-digester-presentation-town-of.html

The Historical Museum had a good talk on the farming in Franklin
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/05/farming-in-franklin-then-and-now-photo.html

Construction on the new high school continued and the 'quality' wall was built
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/05/fhs-construction-update-and-quality.html

There were choices for road races to be run this month. The Elks 5K raised funds for the Franklin Food Pantry and the Wounded Warrior Project
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/05/franklin-elks-care-5k-road-race-results.html

This one action by you will reach 3800 people with disabilities

Hello

2013 is winding down, December 31^st is just a few days away and you can make a dream come true for one or more of the 3800 children and adults with disabilities who are supported by 600+ caring and committed HMEA staff throughout the year. By taking any one or more of the actions below, you will be supporting individuals with autism and special needs and helping them realize their fullest potential at home, in school, at their job and in the community.

How? Do any one of these. It only takes a minute….

Volunteer at a program – sign up at www.hmea.org

Make a year-end tax deductible gift at www.hmea.org to

Sponsor a Holiday Party at their home or program site

Purchase occupational or physical therapy equipment and supplies

Underwrite a community outing

Provide unrestricted funds to benefit programs throughout the year

Make a pledge to support HMEA by writing me (below) or responding to this email.

Thank you and here's to a healthy, prosperous an very Happy New Year!

Take care,

Doug MacPherson

Vice President, Development and Public Relations
HMEA, 8 Forge Park East
Franklin, MA 02038

(508) 298-1105

www.hmea.org

Friday, December 27, 2013

Where in Franklin? - 2013 04

The correct answer to yesterday's photo challenge was provided via Facebook by Karen Cauble-Pina. The marker is located at Fletcher Field.

Yesterday's photo:

Where in Franklin? 2013 03

The larger view of the marker and playground

Fletcher Field on a rainy day

And the new challenge - Where in Franklin would you find this?

Where in Franklin? - 2013 04

You can get bonus points for identifying how this picture will change?

Annual Report 2013: Building Inspection Department

Continuing our series sharing sections from the Annual Report 2013 of Franklin, MA we have the Building Inspection Department.

The Building Inspection Department is a multifunction office responsible for the construction, demolition, alteration, repair and occupancy of all residential, commercial, business and industrial uses for both existing and new construction in accordance with the Massachusetts Building Code. The department is responsible for the administration, interpretation and enforcement of the following codes:

Massachusetts State Building Code - 780CMR

Town of Franklin Code - Zoning – CH 185

Mass. Electrical Code – 527 CMR

Mass. Plumbing and Gas Code – 248 CMR

National Fuel Gas Code – NFPA 54-2002

Sealer of Weights and Measure – G.L. CH 98

Architectural Access Board – 521 CMR

Hours of OperationThe Building Inspection Department’s hours are
Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday 8:00a.m.-4:00p.m.,
Wednesday 8:00a.m.-6:00p.m. and Friday 8:00a.m.- 1:00p.m.

For your convenience, you may visit our website: at www.franklin.ma.us/inspections. This site contains a series of forms easily accessible and available to download. The website provides permit applications, sample plot plans, sign regulations, swimming pool instruction manuals. Shed/barn instruction manuals, zoning criteria and other information necessary to process a permit or to simply provide information to the public.

Building Department Staff
Building Commissioner/Zoning Officer: Lloyd Brown
Inspectors:
Inspector of Wires: Bernard Mullaney
Asst Wiring Inspector: James Laughlin
Plumbing/Gas Inspector: Richard Cornetta
Asst Plumb/Gas Inspector: Richard McCormick
Local Building Inspector: Stephen O’Neill
Sealer of Weights & Measurers
Comm. of Mass. /Div. of Standards
Staff Assistants
Barbara J. Curran
Nancy Danello/Zoning
Judy Demers

Lloyd Brown, Commissioner of Buildings, is responsible for all construction trade inspectors, municipal maintenance and supervision of all construction, zoning interpretation and determination, pre-planning and review of all subdivisions and proposed construction and improvements and general input for all other municipal departments and construction-related inquiries.

Fiscal Year 2013 brought many changes to the department. In August Stephen O’Neill was hired to the fill the Local Building Inspector position and Nancy Danello became the Zoning Board Administration Secretary and Building Department staff assistant in September.

Building Permits
Fiscal year 2013 was a continuation of strong permit activity, with the new high school being at the top of large projects that we oversee. Agastini Construction is the contractor building the new high school and they are on schedule. New home construction was up by 10 units and alterations of homes and businesses also increased.

This year the Building Department issued a total of 1257 building permits and the revenues collected were $449,987.00

The following is a breakdown of the past years building permit activity:
Single Family Residence 35
Attached Town Houses 7
Apts. Or Stacked Condos 24
New Building Commercial 6
Building Misc. $671.00
Accessory Dwelling Units 5
Addition(s) 30
Alteration(s) 672
Amended Permit(s) 1
Deck 64
Swimming Pool(s) 23
Garage(s) 3
Shed(s) 13
Foundation(s) Only 2
Demolition(s) 11
Tent(s) 17
Sign(s) 55
Woodstove(s) 32
Carnival(s) 2
Fence 3
Earth Removal 2
Repair(s) Rehab 107

Certificates of Inspection
Inspection and certification of specified use groups shall be inspected annually in accordance with Table 110 of the Massachusetts State Building Code. This year the staff issued 82 certificates of inspection and the fees collected for the certifications amounted to $18,240.00.

Certificates are issued for all public and private schools, churches, day care centers, nursing homes, funeral homes, bleachers, restaurants, alcoholic beverage establishments, multi-family dwellings (3or more units), movie theaters and other places of assembly. The Fire Department has assisted our department in assuring compliance with the Fire Prevention Code. The purpose of these inspections are to ensure the public safety and well being of the general public.

Certificates of Occupancy
The Building Inspection Department issues a certificate of occupancy in accordance with the Massachusetts State Building Code. All buildings/structures shall not be used or occupied in whole or part until a certificate of occupancy is issued.

This department has issued a total of 118 certificates of occupancy and the total fees collected amounted to $8,250.00

Electrical Permits
The total number of electrical permits issued was 963, the total fees collected and deposited amounted to $103,640.00.

Plumbing Permits
The total number of plumbing permits issued was 859, the total fees collected and deposited
amounted to $109,439.00.

Gas Permits
The total number of gas permits issued was 874 and the total fees collected and deposited amounted to $34,767.00

Division of Weights and Standards
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulations, Division of Standards provides this service on behalf of the Town of Franklin. The Department of Weights and Measures is responsible for providing the services of testing, adjusting, sealing and handling all complaints regarding commercial weighing and measuring devices within the Town of Franklin. The department investigates consumer complaints regarding unit pricing laws; spot-checking prepackaged items for compliance with all weights and measures laws.

Inspections were conducted by the State and the total fees collected and deposited amounted to $8,393.00 Total Revenues Collected: $733,387.00

This past fiscal year was my first as a building commissioner and the help from my staff, citizens and town workers made the transition a great experience. I look forward to continuing to serve the Town of Franklin.

Respectfully,

Lloyd Brown
Commissioner of Buildings

Franklin Municipal Building

http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/annual/

Franklin Matters: Year in Review - April 2013

Continuing our look back into the archives we step into April 2013 and find:

The tour of Franklin High School was the best attended of all the school tours thus far
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/04/franklin-high-school-tour-photo-essay.html

DPW Director Robert (Brutus) Cantoreggi provided an update to the Town Council on work that would be occurring in and around Franklin being done or coordinated by the DPW
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/04/franklin-public-works-upcoming-projects.html

One of the DPW projects was work on in and around East, West and Nason Sts
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/04/franklin-street-construction-photo-essay.html

Work on the Sculpture Park was also one of the DPW projects
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/04/franklin-sculpture-park-imagine-future.html

April also was the running of the annual the Boston Marathon. Many Franklin runners, friends and relatives had anxious moments due to the plans that were disrupted that day. Our world was changed.

Franklin Matters: Year in Review - March 2013

Continuing to close out the calendar year, we step back into the archives to recall what happened in March 2013.

The sculpture park was announced
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/03/new-sculpture-park-opening-in-franklin.html

The Franklin Education Foundation (FEF) held its annual Trivia Bee
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/03/trivia-bee-photo-slide-show.html

The Community Garden prepared for its new planting season
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/03/spring-gardening-photo-essay.html

The Finance Committee got a preview of the proposal for the improvements to DelCarte
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/03/delcarte-recreation-proposal.html

Steel girders rose to start shaping the new Franklin High School building
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/03/fhs-construction-progress-photos.html

"delays in the release of Chapter 90 funds"

The Massachusetts Municipal Association is exhorting state lawmakers to pin millions of dollars in funding for road and bridge projects to the $12.1 billion transportation bond bill, aiming to prevent any delays in the release of the money.

Earlier this month, the association, a nonprofit that advises Massachusetts cities and towns, pushed a legislative committee to attach a five-year Chapter 90 bond bill — providing $300 million per year — to the Patrick administration’s state transportation bill.

Every year municipalities get a varying amount of Chapter 90 funds to pay for upgrades or repairs to infrastructure. For Bellingham and Franklin, which have a backlog of roads in need of repair, the money is critical.

Thursday, January 2, 2014

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Monday, December 30, 2013

Sunday, December 29, 2013

Saturday, December 28, 2013

Friday, December 27, 2013

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