MassBudget: Analyzing the FY 2014 Budget

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. Analyzing the FY 2014 Budget  The FY 2014 budget describes the state's spending plans - and its priorities - for the coming year. Since all of the Governor's funding-related vetoes have been overridden, the final budget largely mirrors the proposal produced by the legislature. This includes: State-wide investments to fix and repair our transportation system Roughly $100 million in additional funding for higher education--which is still 25% lower than the funding level from 2001 (adjusted for inflation) The first increase in general local aid for cities and towns in six years. Local aid funding, however, remains 46% below the 2001 level (adjusted for inflation) Our final FY 2014 Budget Monitor shows how the budget affects programs in Health Care, Education, Transportation, Youth Employment, and beyond - including information on Revenue.    In addition, a new fact sheet, "Health Care in the FY 2014 Budget," provides a more detailed summary of the proposals for MassHealth (Medicaid) and other subsidized health coverage programs. It is part of a series of FY 2014 reports describing the effect of various budget proposals on Health Care programs in Massachusetts. The series is produced by the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center in partnership with the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute - and published by the Massachusetts Medicaid Policy Institute (MMPI).      Read our BUDGET MONITOR  Read about HEALTH CARE IN THE FY 2014 BUDGET See all of our BUDGET RESOURCES The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts. MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER 15 COURT SQUARE, SUITE 700 BOSTON, MA 02108

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In the News: Vinnie DeBaggis, St Rocco's, firefighter grant

As St. Rocco Festival begins, a tribute to 'the Don'

Vinnie DeBaggis was known for many things: His pleasant demeanor, his philanthropy, his volunteerism, his devotion to his family, church and town, and his ubiquitous presence at every Feast of St. Rocco in Franklin since St. Mary’s Parish began celebrating it 35 years ago.

St. Rocco's Festival schedule of events

The 35th Annual Feast of St. Rocco gets underway in Franklin tonight, Thursday, Aug. 8, and will run through Sunday, Aug. 11, on the festival grounds across from the Franklin Town Common.

Franklin gets $741K for firefighters

The Fire Department was awarded a $741,920 grant Thursday to cover the salary and benefits of four new firefighters, thereby eliminating a personnel deficit that has burdened the department since 2011.

General Cable employee stable following accident

A 54-year-old employee of General Cable is in stable condition at UMass Memorial Hospital in Worcester after suffering serious injuries Tuesday at the company’s 20 Forge Parkway location.

Live reporting - legislation, comments and closing

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
Senior subcommittee working on proposals to bring to the Council

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 13-57: Submittal to Town Clerk of Final Form of Ballot Question, RE: Proposed Charter Amendment Changing Treasurer-Collector From Elected to Appointed Position
motion to approve, seconded,  pass 9-0

The language follows the statutory procedure
We do not need to include the actual charter language, do need to send to the voter before hand

Jim Dacey - I am 100% in favor of this
I hear the town should be run more like a business, appointing is the right way to go


2. Resolution 13-58: Intermunicipal Agreement For Regional Public Safety Communications and Dispatch Center
motion to approve, seconded, pass 9-0

Chief Gary McCarragher, I would urge you to approve this
it will allow us to do it better faster and cheaper

Rep Roy - I would urge support, I did use up some political capital to get this
the faciltiy will be state of the art, four communities can benefit from this
there are so many good things about this
I would urge the Council to support this

Nutting - I want to thank Rep Roy, we have been waiting for this
once he got elected, this got moving
the other three towns got this on their selectmens agenda in Sep/Oct

3. Resolution 13-59: Authorization to Sign Amended Regulatory Agreement
Kelly recused himself

motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0, 1 abstained
better to get folks into the building for less money rather than hold out for a higher price

Cornetta - ZBA did approve this in late July

4. Resolution 13-60: Acceptance of Gift – Town of Franklin
motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0

inlieu of putting a sidewalk in front of the gas station,
motion to amend sidewalks at West Central St, passed 9-0

5. Bylaw Amendment 13-718:Amendment to Chapter 185§7-Compliance Required – 2nd Reading
motion to conitnue to sep 4th


K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
FEMA has award of grant of $700+K to hire four firefighters with wages and benefits
it took awhile to get this but it is great news, looking to recruit ASAP

sold $50M worth of bonds, about 4% a little higher than thought but lower than the override specified
thanks to Jim Dacey for doing this good work
we have maintained our bond rating which is good news

L. OLD BUSINESS
none

M. NEW BUSINESS
Powderly - request to Citizens Committee, wish for Bennedetto, proposals all for sale of properties, would like to see other area public services, etc. would love to see applied to other areas of the town

Pfeffer - request a copy of last five years paid to ATC

Jones - Sep 4th meeting of EDC would like to listen to any ideas

Cornetta - as mentioned earlier BayState Dev is interested in Pond St property
some kind of general RFP, solicit ideas not just a specific proposal wold like to offer that idea to the Council

Vallee - we are looking for new ideas, we would like to see something specific

McDowell - we could pull something together for that by the 4th

Nutting- this is a public process and has legal complications, traffic, etc.

Mercer - I'd like to see them go to the EDC first and come to us later with a recommendation

Bissanti - this is a general argument about the general RFP

Nutting - an expression of interest is different from an RFP, it is a two step process. If you want to sell the land, you can do that but I think the town wants to control what goes in there. long legal process according to statue. The EDC needs to put its arms around what it wants.

Jones - there have been a few ideas around this property, it would be good to see some more specific ideas

Cornetta - from a developers perspective, they can come up with a proposal/concept, there is a competitive environment, they wouldn't want to come forward and have some one take their idea to run with it.

N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Mercer - Bldg committee 8/21 in council chambers on phase of the high school project
7:00 PM

Bldg Committee meeting on the 19th will be discussing the options for Davis Thayer
meeting at 6:30 in Training room upstairs

Kelly - Did see Bob Dean, recently, he was out and about

Powderly - thank you to the Chief, tonight was a big win-win

Pfeffer - Dean College put up a wrought iron fence, it looks very good
congrats to Rick's and Police Dept for fostering helmets with ice cream coupons
thanks to Rep Roy for getting his first legislation through for the regional dispatch

Jones -  the EDC is open and unbiased
I have posted what I hope to be an annual paint ball challenge, all proceed to go to the Franklin Food Pantry

Roy - Master Plan public hearing this Saturday, at the Library 10:00 AM
public comment period open until Aug 16th


O.EXECUTIVE SESSION
– Town Administrator’s Contract
motion to approve, passed 9-0 via roll call

Live reporting: DPW proposal on road repairs

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS 
- Department of Public Works

Kate Sjoberg, Mike Maglio, Robert (Brutus)Cantoreggi, and Laurie Ruszala



(document to be added)

http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_DPW/General_Pages/2013%20Roadway%20Presentation.pdf

roads rated 69 or less analyzed

quite a few roads rated 69 or less
if depending only upon Chap 90, the road repairs would decrease
proposal with a possible override shows getting to 70 or better within 5 years


focus had been on water/sewer repairs with road repairs
60% funding from water 40% from other sources

Chap 90 funding is variable (shown in chart)

Council appropriations also vary year to year (shown in chart)

initiative '14 plan
looking for a debt override of a $1M per year (how long not answered yet)

new water study being done in 2014

Nutting
200 miles of roads and each can have an individual issue
water can continue to supply funding for the foreseeable future

dedicated override can be kept to a fund for perpetuity
a million dollar override would cost about $18 per homeowner

Q - Kelly - would the plan be to get the roads accepted before we repaired
A - Yes, we would get them accepted before work is done

Q  - would be reducing the road size?
A - yes, 
discussion on size of the road in subdivisions, they cover that size of the road

reducing the size avoids the cost of repair and future maintenance

C - Powderly - thank you for this, easy to understand, folks can see where things fall out. The Town is reliant on a zero sum game. the only thing that will fix the roads will be a dedicated override

C - Roy - The legislature did authorize more money in Chap 90. The Governor is authorized to do so, he has not released the funds. he is getting pressure from legislators everyday. With the economy going, I am not sure if this is time to do an override. You'll have a new council in place in November and it would be better for their decision.

C - Bissanti - what happened in the 80's, the DPW were not doing the core and compression tests when they were being built, which is why we ended up with the roads we have now.

C - Nutting - you had residents come in a couple of months ago, more are likely, the only thing that will fix the roads is money. Utimately, the town is going to have to take more responsibility

Q - Dellorco - where are the road ratings?
A - The road ratings are on the town website (see link to be added). If I don't fix them, they are calling you. We are up against it. We have done a lot of work in town. full reconstruction is about $100 sq ft. I am not saying Brutus wants an override. If it is adjusted, we can live with it. The facts speak for themselves. The bubble of the last 80-90's is coming and needs to be addressed.

Live reporting: Town Council - Aug 7, 2013

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


A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
– May 8, 2013, May 15, 16, 2013 Budget Hearings
motion to approve, seconded, 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.

motion to add to hearing
seconded, approved 9-0

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
none

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
Larry Bennedetto -
Town assuming ownership of train station, Stoughton doing this, want to talk with them first
acquiring 21 acres adjanct to the Recylcing center, Rep Jeff Roy will be working

Richard Cornetta introduced
Motion to allow non-residents to speak, seconded, passed 9-0

Roy McDowell, Todd McDowell
working Legacy Farms in Hopkinton
interest in Pond Street property
looking to work with whomever to do an RFP to sell the property
not a good idea yet but wanted to see interest from Town before pursuing
have looked atr previous plans and can work within those comments

can't be discussed under citizens comments but if they stick around, it can be discussed later

E. APPOINTMENTS
Conservation Commission: Paul Harrington
motion to approve appointment, seconded, passed 9-0

Cultural Council: Rev. Bob Johnnene
motion to approve appointment, seconded, passed 9-0

Election Workers: (see listing in agenda doc)
motion to approve appointment, seconded, passed 9-0
one name to remove Jorgenson(?) as they are no longer a resident

F. HEARINGS
- Violation of M.G.L. 138 §34: Sale, Delivery of Furnishing of an Alcoholic beverage to a person under the age of 21 – Postponed to September 4, 2013- 7:10 PM (Ichigo Ichie and Village Mall Liquors)

hearing added to be continued to Sep 4th

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
none

Master Plan: Zoning

The draft Master Plan 2013 for Franklin is chock full of great information. Zoning plans an important role in how Franklin operates and grows. Look around town, there are commercial zones and residential areas. These are all by design. The design can be changed via the zoning process and the overall guidelines to the design come from the Master Plan. The full plan document runs over 90 pages but should be required summer reading for each Franklin resident and voter.

You can participate in the Public Hearing on this draft on Saturday at the Library at 10:00 AM

The overview section on zoning is shared here:

Zoning

A municipality’s authority to create zoning laws comes from Chapter 40A of the Massachusetts General Laws and Article 89 of the Amendments to the Massachusetts Constitution. Zoning plays an important role in the character of the town and the spatial distribution of land uses. This distribution of land uses has social, environmental, and economic consequences on the Town. These consequences can have positive and negative impacts. For example, increased economic development can help support the Town’s tax base and provide local jobs, but it can also lead to increased traffic congestion. Also, the ways in which development occurs impacts how stormwater is managed, and therefore affects the quality and supply of the Town’s water. Since zoning regulations affect where specific types of development are allowed, it plays a crucial role in the livability of the Town.

In the past sixty years land use theory on zoning has changed considerably. During the mid-20th century single-use zoning became the norm. The developed areas of most communities increased substantially and spread out as residential, commercial, and industrial areas were built far apart from each other. Franklin experienced this pattern of development, commonly known as sprawl, to some extent in the mid twentieth century, but by the 1980s and 1990s residential sprawl had occurred throughout Town, substantial industrial development was occurring on industrially zoned lands west of I-495, and commercial development was
increasing along Route 140.

There are both benefits and advantages, and costs and disadvantages, to this type of development. Some of the benefits and advantages include: ease of permitting; segregated residential areas are thought of as safe; and homes segregated away from commercial and industrial uses often have higher values. Some of the disadvantages and negative consequences of sprawl include increased traffic congestion and time commuting, loss of open spaces, damaged natural resources and wildlife habitat, and loss of a rural New England character. Furthermore, low-density, sprawling development tends not to pay for itself due to the higher infrastructure costs. The Town has recognized the advantages and disadvantages of single-use development and has worked to minimize these issues by amending the Town’s Zoning Bylaws.

Description of Zones

Franklin’s zoning code is documented in Chapter 185 of the Town Code for the purpose of promoting the:

“health, safety, convenience, morals and welfare of the inhabitants of the Town of Franklin, to lessen the danger from fire and congestion, to encourage the most appropriate use of land and to improve the Town under the provisions of Chapter 40A of the General Laws, and of Article 89 of the Amendments to the Constitution. For this purpose, the use, construction, repair, alteration, height, area and the location of buildings and structures and the use of premises in the Town of Franklin are regulated as hereinafter provided.”

The zoning code is regularly modified to reflect the current needs of the Town. At present, the Town Code divides Franklin into 14 Zoning Districts. It should be noted however, that while Zoning Districts have been established within Chapter 185 Section 4 for Limited Industrial and Neighborhood Commercial, no parcels have formally been designated to those zoning districts, and thus are not shown on the Town’s Zoning Map (see Map LU-1: Zoning Map).


You can view the full document online on the Franklin webpage
http://www.franklinma.gov/planning-community-development/pages/master-plan

DelCarte Property: summer time!

I was overdue for a run out by the DelCarte Property and covered that with a visit on Sunday. A gorgeous weather day for running and a wonderful time to view the repaired dam.

shadowed approach to the dam

the reconstructed dam

A brief video with a panorama view




Going back to December 2012 for a comparison view
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/delcarte-property-video_20.html

In the News: General Cable accident, nomination papers available

Man injured in accident at General Cable in Franklin

An  employee of General Cable in Franklin suffered serious injuries after he was caught in a piece of machinery, said Deputy Fire Chief Paul J. Sharpe Jr.

Nomination papers available for Franklin elections

Nomination papers for the fall election - in which all seats on the Town Council and School Committee will be on the ballot - were made available this week.

Master Plan: Mission and Vision Statements

Leading up to the public hearing Saturday, Aug 10th on the Master Plan, I'll share sections of the draft document to help foster discussion. The hearing will take place at the Franklin Public Library, 118 Main St at 10:00 AM.

From the Master Plan draft document - 

The Master Plan Committee (MPC) developed the following Master Plan Mission Statement, which it used as a guide throughout the Plan development process:

“Franklin is a community committed to high quality education and the superb delivery of public services. We strive to attract and retain businesses, both profit and non-profit, that grow our economy, create jobs, and contribute to a vibrant downtown center. We are committed to cultivating accessible open space, a sense of neighborhood, and a desire to preserve the character of our New England town. We support the safe and efficient movement of people and goods within the Town of Franklin, and across the regional transportation network, by
providing a range of integrated transportation options. We are a community dedicated to effective planning, responsible land use, balanced growth, responsive government, racial, religious and economic diversity, and care and concern for its citizens and the environment. We value our arts, cultural and natural resources, heritage, and history, in order to foster a well-balanced community.”

The MPC also developed a vision statement for Franklin:

“To be a vibrant community that supports the arts, non-profit organizations, higher education and businesses in an atmosphere that allows growth and prosperity while at the same time conserving our heritage, natural resources, and history. We will build on and celebrate our uniqueness as a community and maintain the quality of life that is a strength and competitive advantage.”

You can find the whole master plan document here
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/pages/FranklinMA_Planning/masterplandoc/doc


The presentation and notes from the Town Council meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/07/the-master-plan-is-here-master-plan-is.html

Franklin Library: Pumpernickel Puppets, Aug 7 - 1:00 PM

The Library program for Wednesday, August 7th is shown in this flyer

Pumpernickel Puppets

For more about Pumpernickel Puppets you can visit their webpage
http://www.pumpernickelpuppets.com/shows.html

"6.25 percent charge on various IT activities"

Technical help is going to get a little harder to provide in MA due to a new tax law that became effective on July 31.

Cara Mulcahy, who owns the Franklin web site design firm Avenir Services, said the tax does not affect the services she currently offers. She said, though, it would discourage her from providing new services. 

"My concern is that it's so vague that it could affect me down the road," she said. "It's prohibiting me from expanding my services." 

Mulcahy, of Wrentham, said she feared that if she were to send her customers a bill with a "tax" line item, they could take their business to New Hampshire firms, which do not have to charge a tax.

Read more: http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x853699007/Local-business-owners-speak-out-against-IT-tax#ixzz2bBP2NjeB

In the News: document shredding

DCU in Franklin offer free document shredding on Aug. 10

DCU, 500 West Central St., Franklin, will offer free document shredding for the public on Saturday, Aug. 10, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Akin Bak Farm stand - grand opening

I have looked forward to getting Howard Crawford's honey at the Franklin Farmer's Market. Now the Akin Bak Farm has a nice new stand with fresh produce as well as the honey for sale.

Akin Bak sign on RT 140

the new farm stand

fields you can't see from RT 140

bee hives along the edge of the field

pumpkin not quite ready to harvest

If you are worried about trying to make a left turn out of Akin Bak, there is another alternative. Once on the property, there is a driveway that can take you out to Beaver St and drop you right next to the Franklin Glass. You can come out to the corner of Beaver St and RT 140 and the traffic light will make the left turn easier.

Additional photos of the farm can be found on the Akin Bak Google map page here

You can find Akin Bak on Facebook here  https://www.facebook.com/AkinBakFarm

or their webpage here  http://www.akinbakfarmllc.com/

Poor handling

Given the occasional visits the family has made to Ichigo Ichie/s, it is a good restaurant. The water bubble wall is enchanting and more importantly the food is good. Their liquor license procedures stand some significant improvement however. For a restaurant open only two years, to have failed the license compliance check each year is not good. That kind of track record is going to jeopardize their operations.

The hearing on their second suspension was initially scheduled for this Wednesday's Town Council meeting and rescheduled for Sep 4. The lawyer representing Ichigo Ichie's is out of town so they asked for the reschedule.

Ichigo Ichie - Franklin, MA

Tune into the meeting Sep 4th to find out when the next suspension of their liquor license will occur. The first offense usually results in a one day suspension with the second a three day suspension. Ichigo Ichie's would stand to loose a weekend of operation following the precedence of prior suspensions.


Related links
Agenda for Weds Aug 7
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-aug-7.html

Ichigo Ichie opens
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/12/updates-ichigo-ichie-and-italian.html

Ichigo Ichie's first suspension
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/07/in-news-town-council-meeting-coverage.html

Ichigo Ichie's webpage http://www.ichigoichieus.com/franklin/index.html

PanMass Challenge makes a water stop in Franklin

As noted the annual PanMass Challenge bike riders made their water stop in Franklin on Saturday morning. The riders left Sturbridge and began to arrive at the Remington-Jefferson School complex around 7:30 AM. I stopped by to take some photos, a couple of brief videos and managed to see a couple of the riders I had contributed to. I missed finding the other riders but as you can see in the photos, most are all wearing the same shirt. They all have their safety helmets on and when on a bike, they can be hard to pick out of the crowd.

It is heartwarming to see the welcome provided by so many of the volunteers, friends and family and equally heartwarming to see so many riders. When folks can come together like this for a good cause, it is a special time!

The entrance:


In the middle of the water stop:



The entrance on Washington St



coming in to the water stop



the helmet decorations helped to find riders



Team Kermit



coming around the bend



food, refreshments, medical assistance and a DJ playing up beat music



once the riders arrived, they had some fun to find who they were looking for!



Town Administrator Jeff Nutting



Marty Middelman and his family

Proposed Ballot Question: Treasurer/Collector appointed or elected?

Proposed ballot question text:

Shall the city known as the Town of Franklin approve the charter amendment proposed by the Franklin Town Council in Resolution 13-30 summarized below?

The proposed amendment eliminates the provision for election of the Town Treasurer-Collector and adds a provision for appointment of the Town Treasurer-Collector by the Town Administrator, with input from a selection committee and ratification by the Town Council; the amendment takes effect if and when approved by the voters, except that the incumbent Treasurer-Collector shall serve the remainder of his current term.

This seems like a good one to do a poll or survey question on. If you are reading this via email, please come to the Franklin Matters webpage:  http://www.franklinmatters.org/  You should find the survey question in the top right corner and submit your choice!

The survey will stay open for 2 weeks to allow sufficient time for folks to have their say given summer vacation time, etc.

If you have any comments on the topic, please feel free to leave them here or on the Franklin Matters Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/franklinmatters

Franklin Ma: Town Council - Agenda - Aug 7

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
– May 8, 2013, May 15, 16, 2013 Budget Hearings

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

E. APPOINTMENTS
- Conservation Commission: Paul Harrington
Cultural Council: Rev. Bob Johnnene
Election Workers: (see listing in agenda doc)

F. HEARINGS
- Violation of M.G.L. 138 §34: Sale, Delivery of Furnishing of an Alcoholic beverage to a person under the age of 21 – Postponed to September 4, 2013- 7:10 PM (Ichigo Ichie and Village Mall Liquors)

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
- Department of Public Works

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 13-57: Submittal to Town Clerk of Final Form of Ballot Question, RE: Proposed Charter Amendment Changing Treasurer-Collector From Elected to Appointed Position
2. Resolution 13-58: Intermunicipal Agreement For Regional Public Safety Communications and Dispatch Center
3. Resolution 13-59: Authorization to Sign Amended Regulatory Agreement
4. Resolution 13-60: Acceptance of Gift – Town of Franklin
5. Bylaw Amendment 13-718:Amendment to Chapter 185§7-Compliance Required – 2nd Reading

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

L. OLD BUSINESS

M. NEW BUSINESS

N. COUNCIL COMMENTS

O.EXECUTIVE SESSION
– Town Administrator’s Contract

P. ADJOURN

The full set of documents as published for this meeting can be found on the Franklin webpage
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2013/080713.pdf

Franklin News: hydrant flow testing, public health advisory

Hydrant Flow Testing

The Franklin Department of Public Works, Water Division will be conducting hydrant flow testing during the overnight hours on Monday August 5 through Wednesday August 7. Flow testing will take place between the hours of 9:00 PM and 5:00 AM each night. Residents may experience temporary water loss or discolored water while hydrants are being tested in their area. Even though the water may be discolored, it is still safe for human consumption. For more information please visit the DPW homepage at:
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_DPW/index


Public Health Notice

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has announced the first case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis in a horse from Belchertown in west-central Massachusetts. So far this year there have been no human cases of either West Nile Virus or Eastern Equine Encephalitis in humans in Massachusetts.

It is prudent however for all individuals in Massachusetts to take personal precautions to avoid mosquito bites no matter where they live.

Apply Insect Repellent When Outdoors: Use a repellent with DEET, Permethrin, picardin or oil of lemon eucalyptus according to the instructions on the product labels. Remember not to use products with DEET on infants under two months of age. DEET products in concentrations above 30% should not be used on older children. Oil of eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age.

Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours: Mosquitos are most active between the hours from dusk to dawn. Limit your exposure out of doors during this peak biting time if possible. If you must be outside, wearing long-sleeves, long pants and socks will help keep mosquitos away from your skin.

Drain Standing Water on Your Property: Mosquitos lay their eggs in standing or stagnant water. Drain birdbaths, flower pots, buckets and children’s wading pools frequently.

Additional public health advisories/alerts regarding WNV and EEE will be provided by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the Franklin Health Department as the situation warrants.

More information on mosquito-borne viruses can be found at the MADPH Arbovirus Surveillance Information web page at www.mass.gov/dph/mosquito.


Note: These notices were originally posted to the official Town of Franklin webpage
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net

Franklin Public Schools: Summer Update

A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

Hello As summer vacation is winding down we wanted to send out an update as we prepare for the opening of the 2013-2014 academic year. Student Schedules and Class Placements All FHS, MS schedules and elementary class placement letters will go out in the afternoon mail on August 15.  At FHS the guidance staff will be back on  August  20 to handle scheduling conflicts. The HS Guidance Office has been staffed all summer and some counseling  staff will be available on August 1,6,7 and 8. A number of families have been contacted about scheduling conflicts and have not responded to calls and letters from guidance. If you have been contacted about a conflict please call the HS as soon as possible to set up a time to resolve the conflicts. New FHS The construction project is on time and we anticipate the official opening on the first day of the 2014-2015 academic year.  Franklin Public Schools summer programming that has been traditionally scheduled at the HS will be moved to the HMMS/Oak complex. Other recreational programs will also need to be relocated. We will be collaborating with all stakeholders  to schedule all summer 2014 events. Facilities Work Projects at Remington/Jefferson, Parmenter and Kennedy are progressing. We have been assured all work will be completed by the start of the school year. 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 IN PERSON, by US MAIL, or by TELEPHONE at (508) 613-1777.

Stop & Shop A+ update

The timeline sent to me that I shared earlier this week was a little misleading. The SCHOOLS can register as of August 1. We can register as of September 1.

Stop & Shop screenshot grabbed as of 8/2/13

For the post earlier this week, check here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/07/stop-shop-bonusbucks-rewards-franklin.html

In the News: couple sentenced, hospital association

Couple sentenced in doughnut shop robberies

A husband and wife accused of robbing doughnut shops with what they said was an HIV-infected syringe were sentenced following a change of plea hearing in Norfolk Superior Court on Friday.

Hospitals form regional affiliation

MetroWest Medical Center is teaming up with hospitals in Boston and Worcester to form a new affiliation aimed at improving cardiovascular care in their regions.

Farmers Market - Today, noon - 6:00 PM

on the Town Common, along the High St side.

Farmers Market today

The Pan Mass Challenge rides through Franklin

The PanMass Challenge will ride through Franklin Saturday morning. Back in January, I received this email from Martin Middelman, a regular reader of Franklin Matters. Hundreds of riders have been training for months for this weekend fund raising effort. Martin will be joined in this ride by Town Administrator Jeff Nutting, State Representative Jeff Roy and several other Franklin riders.

In a time when the TV shows negative news, it is heartening to see so many folks taking action for a worthy cause. Cancer touches all of us, directly or indirectly. Is there a person who hasn't lost a family member to this? Or doesn't know someone struggling with it?

Get up early Saturday morning and head to the Remington Jefferson School to see the riders come in. The school grounds serve as a water and rest stop on the ride.

Cheer them on!

Be encouraged by so many taking action!

Contribute to the cause.

"There is a lot riding on this!"

There's a Lot Riding on This Dear friends, Today I've committed to raising money for cancer research by riding in the 2013 Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC). On the first weekend in August, I will join 5,500 cyclists in the PMC ride, an annual bike-a-thon that raises money for research and care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DCFI) in Boston. I hope I can count on your support The PMC raises more money for charity than any other single event in the country, $375 million since 1980 and $37 million last year alone! This success is the result of a lot of people riding for, and caring about, a cure. And because every penny matters, 100 percent of your donation goes to DFCI. I've made a personal commitment to ride and raise $4,300. So I hope you can help me achieve this significant goal. Please donate to my PMC ride at one of the following links: Click here to make $25 donation Click here to make a $50 donation Click here to make a $100 donation Click here to make a $250 donation Click here to make a $500 donation Click here to make a $1,000 donation Every donation brings us closer by the mile. Thank you, Martin Middelmann Your donation is tax deductible and 100% will go to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. If you prefer to write a check, please make it out to the PMC, The Jimmy Fund or Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and mail it to me directly at: Martin Middelmann 257 Daniels St. Franklin, MA 02038 US If your employer has a matching gift program, ask your Human Resources department for a form, and follow the process for matches. To learn more about the PMC, please visit pmc.org. Presented by Media Partner The PMC donates 100% of every rider-raised dollar to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through its Jimmy Fund. Founded in 1980, the Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) is an annual bike-a-thon that today raises more money for charity than any other single event in the country.

A place at the table

Myth: SNAP recipients are inner-city minorities. 

Fact: Food insecurity is neither an urban issue nor an ethnic issue. Nearly one in six people faces food insecurity, and they live in every county in the nation. In addition, 76 percent of SNAP households include a child, an elderly person or a disabled person.

Read more in this op-ed by Trish Henley






For more about the film, A Place at the Table you can visit the webpage
http://www.takepart.com/place-at-the-table

Neighbor Brigade Run

Hello:
This is not just an ordinary fundraiser but, more importantly a mission I support and take part in my Franklin community to help our neighbors in times of immediate crisis. I know through all the ways I have helped, it has changed the way I see and experience my own personal day to day challenges. I am thankful for a group of 80 volunteers and I hope you can help in  supporting the continued growth of Neighbor Brigade in Mass. and beyond.

I have a Franklin page for you to look at and if you'd like to take part in the team, please sign up! It will be a great opportunity to share what Neighbor Brigade is doing and learn about its future growth.  Thank you for anything you can offer in the way of a donation or perhaps a sponsor! 

Go to:
http://www.crowdrise.com/franklinneighborbrig 

Thanks and I hope to see you at the walk/run!
Linda

Linda Gagnon
Neighbor Brigade Inc.
617-335-5452/ FranklinMA@neighborbrigade.orgwww.neighborbrigade.orgLike Us On Facebook!

Representative Roy's August Office Hours

Boston, MA -- State Representative Jeffrey Roy (D-Franklin) announced today that constituent office hours will be held in Franklin for the Month of August on the following day: 

Franklin – August 10^th, 9:00-10:00AM, Franklin Public Library – 18 Main Street Franklin, 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.

Bike Tour of the SNETT - Aug 17

The Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee (FBRTC) will host a Guided Bike Tour of the Southern New England Trunkline Trail (SNETT) on Saturday, August 17, 2013 from 8:30 to noon.  

The tour will start at the Grove Street trailhead in Franklin, and travel west 7.5 miles to Blackstone to learn about the work being done on the trail.  In Blackstone, you will have a chance to see the bridge rehab construction taking place, including a temporary ramp from Church St down to the RR grade, which will give you an idea of the Purchase Street ramp.  The tour will be led by Mr. Bill DeSantis, Corporate Director Bicycle Pedestrian Transportation of  Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. (VHB Engineering).

A winter scene on the trail (to help be cool today!)

This event is free, but we ask that you register in advance. Also, parking is available across the street from the trailhead at Grove St

Register for this event now: www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/calendar/aug-bike-tou

Franklin Library: How to Draw Stuff for Ages 11 & Up

How to Draw Stuff for Ages 11 and Up

animal anatomy

Franklin Public Library - 118 Main Street Franklin MA 02038 - 508.520.4940

In the News: sales tax, juvenile court

State Senate OKs tax holiday for Aug. 10-11

The state Senate voted today to authorize a sales tax holiday for Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 10 and 11.

The sale tax holiday is estimated to cost the government $20 million. So while the savings may get distributed to anyone who buys a key item this weekend, those same folks shouldn't complain if one of their pet projects doesn't get funded.

Senate agrees to increase age of juvenile court jurisdiction

The Massachusetts Senate Tuesday passed legislation that increased the age of juvenile court jurisdiction from 17 years old to 18 years old, according to a press release from state Sen. Karen Spilka’s office.

Both of these measure require Gov Patrick's approval

Live reporting - Town Council - special meeting

Copy of agenda doc to be added later - handed out as folks arrived in the 3rd Floor - Training Room




Intent of this is to do a workshop for a discussion on what changes, if any, would be desired for zoning.
A sign in sheet is being passed around. Maxine Kinhart taking the official meeting notes

Jeff Nutting provided an overview of the handout

Q - question on density consideration based upon upland acre vs. total acre
Ultimately, this is more than a quibble point for the Cooks Farm proposal as a starting point for discussion

Q - would the town consider some incentives for extra open space?
the current as right use is less dense than the proposal for Cooks Farm

Halligan - I thought we would be discussing Cooks Farm and nothing else. What I am hearing is this is bigger than that.

Cerel - you can zone for a specific proposal, you can zone for all. You can't do spot zoning.

Benedetto - Whatever you adopt the Town needs some flexibility.

Nutting  - the Council is not the permitting authority, the Planning Board

Kelly - question on when developments referenced were done and what they were developed as some number of years ago

Taberner - zoning residential district 6 was created in the 1980's

Padula - subdivision regulations came out to control growth in the town. A lot of land existed then. We needed housing in and around the center. Since then, we have tried to control growth.  I don't know how many houses we could put in this with zoning as I haven't seen the proposal. How are you going to handle sewerage for this project? Are we attempting to change the zoning for this one project? There are a number of unbuilt propety that can accommodate cluster or apartment zoning. Once you open this up, you are opening this to a number of homes in this town.

Pfeffer - what would be the spot zoning rule?
Cerel - it may not be a single property, the courts will look at this in the totality

Pfeffer - I thought we had a charge to go make this work? Am I hearing this is a proposal to not make it work?
Nutting - I disagree

Pfeffer - How would you make this work?
Nutting - You have to make this a zoning bylaw.
Pfeffer - Have you drafted the bylaw?
Nutting - No, once we have this agreed upon, when we have consensus, we can go and write it.

Cornetta - we have a proposal with a specific project, there are examples of bylaws on the state site, or elsewhere that I think we can all work with. it is not good for the town to create high density all over, but maybe an overlay district for specific areas, like the Cooks Farm proposal

Developer - It is a very popular proposal. I have nine residents interested in this if we build it. We have lots with the building lots identical. A density in Medfield over 6 units to an acre. About 2 if you do it on total acreage. The road widths don't work, that is pedestrian scale. It is 20 foot roadways and 18 foot back alleys. I didn't invent this, it is elsewhere, in Celebration. I haven't met the fire chief. He'd be able to fight a fire in this. These are condominium in that the land is owned in common but they are single family homes

Halligan - I am little thrown off guard here. I would be in favor the way it was proposed.

Nutting - I am hearing about the differences in the density calculation, I am hearing about the street width difference.

Halligan - I would like to see this go forward and see what this brings to the town. It is calculated to only bring in 2 kids.

Cerel - As I indicated at the Council meeting, when you get into land use planning there is a lot of overlapping rulings. Where are you starting from? A proposal from a particular developer and a charge to the staff to make it work. There are a lot of other things being through around and confusing the issues. This type of development is good for a downtown where you want to get traffic out and bring in pedestrian traffic. Mefield cobbled together several properties to make his space work. That is not what you have here. This plot is outside the town, not downtown.

Restating: This handout would apply to the 22 acre to apply to two properties to avoid the charge of spot zoning

Nutting - i don't think there is a big disparity about what we are discussing.

The bylaw was in place and the zoning was changes because it was not yet on the map

Powderly - what about Res 6 that does not permit this project?
Nutting - it is not relevant in this day and age, no proposal is going to come forward with 25% affordable

Powderly - is it fair to say that Res 6 is outdated?
Dahlstrom - there are more differences than just the affordable

Developer - Res 7, would apply to only 2 properties at this time. I would like to work with the Fire Chief to see how the streets would work for him

Padula - with a conventional subdivision how many would you get?
about 7

Halligan - this would have to be done with a special permit, otherwise it could be sold out and have 32 log cabins down there

Nutting - you are free to talk to the Fire Chief when he gets back from vacation.

Benedetto - what about control with a 40B?
Cerel - The state agency has guidelines for that and it is more than 12 units dense

Developer - I am not concerned about a special permit

Jones - How many of these type projects were on the outside of town? What would be the sustainability of the high value?

Developer - I am very good at establishing property that high value. We have a country club right next door. there is demand for this. There is an aging population and they want this.

Powderly - I don't think anyone has argued that this isn't a quality project, we need to do this when there is not a quality project before us. I want to make sure we are reversing a path the restriction on no new development, then we do it right so we don't end up with developing elsewhere in the wrong places. I found the Mashpee Commons very nice.

Developer - you have all that here already, you don't need to create Mashpee Commons here. You already have the town center. You need infield projects to help fill the void. They should help promote each other. That is why this project is going to be good. You will want to see this elsewhere once this is built.

Cheli - speaking to stopping development, we were concerned with school age development and 40b's. I don't think there was a mandate when I was on the council. I think we needed to be proactive to get the 40b 10% level.

Nutting - we did the permit change to allow the 55+ to avoid the children issue. We extended the moratorium to 2009 but then the market kind of took over and did it for us.

Cheli - mechanism were put in place to get sustainable development.

Developer - there is 17 M coming into this project with very little going out. The roads are owned by the residents.

Nutting -

Pfeffer - if we do this by special permit, do we still need to change the zoning?
Nutting - yes

Nutting - I think we can have this in the council in the first week of Sep

Roy - I actually came tonight to get some input from this for the Master Plan. I am hearing we can do this in the 2 parcels and not all around the town. I was trying to see how this fits in with the Master Plan.

Cerel - you can have special permits by zone, you don't need to have an overlay

Padula - how much did you say were the starting price?
Developer - 2 bedrooms, about $500,000

Nutting - we'll schedule a meeting with the Fire Chief and work on the draft revisions as discussed here. We should have something ready for the first Council meeting in Sep. It will get referred to the Planning Board, and when they act on it, it would come back to the Council for two readings before being voted on.


motion to adjourn, passed