Live reporting - Charter Commission

Paul Cheli - Chair
Larry Benedetto - Vice-Chair
Michael Walker-Jones

Review of prior Charter Commission from 1995

Discussion on how to handle the presentation and questions, resolved to present tonight, allow for review by the Council, the Council can accumulate questions and the committee will return to discuss in more detail at a future time.

Live reporting - Town Council Mtg 5/20/09

Attending: Whalen, Mason, Vallee, Bartlett, Feeley, Pfeffer, Doak,
Missing: McGann, Zollo


A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – April 15 & May 6, 2009
Motion to approve - Approved 7-0

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS - Dedication of new monument, directly after the parade (approx 11:00 AM). Rain date, 5/31/09

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS - none

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS - none

E. APPOINTMENTS none

F. HEARINGS none

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS none

"town offers expedited permitting"

By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

Milford Daily News

Posted May 20, 2009 @ 12:11 AM

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FRANKLIN —

The state has given Franklin the green light to designate Forge Park, Franklin Industrial Park and Pond Street as economic development sites, said Bryan W. Taberner, Franklin's director of planning and community development.

"With the sluggish economy, the town of Franklin needs to utilize all economic development incentives available to it in order to assist companies looking to settle or expand in the area," Taberner said.

"One of the most attractive incentives that a Massachusetts community can offer businesses is a Tax Increment Finance (TIF) agreement," he said.

Read the full article about the economic development plan in the Milford Daily News here

"a "win-win" for the town and bank"

By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

Milford Daily News

Posted May 20, 2009 @ 12:17 AM

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FRANKLIN —

The Franklin Food Pantry, which has been on the verge of homelessness for the past year, has a new home: an entire building owned by Rockland Trust, said Ralph Valente, marketing director for the bank.

On Monday, the pantry's executive director, Linda Pouliot White, and bank officials signed a two-year lease giving the pantry free use of a building at 43 West Central St., across from the new fire station and Rick's Ice Cream.

"They can move in whenever they are ready," Valente said, noting it is slated to open in early June.

Read the full article about the new location for the Franklin Food Pantry in the Milford Daily News here.

"Marini must refile his application"

By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

Milford Daily News

Posted May 18, 2009 @ 10:42 PM

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FRANKLIN —

Developer John Marini withdrew his application for a site plan modification at the request of town officials who said he failed to mention in the document that he added a few partners since his initial request.

The Planning Board last night unanimously voted to accept the withdrawal without prejudice, which means it can be brought up again.

The application was to make improvements to the interior and exterior of the last of his old buildings so that it is presentable while the town waits another three years for Marini to demolish and rebuild 12-26 East Central St.

Marini had asked to delay the project because he was not able to secure financing during the recession.

Read the latest on the Center Commons development downtown in the Milford Daily News here

Block Party - Downtown Franklin 5/21/09

FRANKLIN - The Franklin Downtown Partnership announced special activities planned for the next "Third Thursday" on May 21, 4:30 to 8 p.m. Join downtown businesses on the third Thursday of every month for special offers, discounts and fun activities for the entire family.

The May theme is a Block Party, featuring acoustical entertainment on the outdoor patio at the newly opened Cafe Dolce and a Beader Night Party at Sara Paan Beads.

Following are the planned activities:

Cafe Dolce, 17 East Central St.: Free live, acoustical entertainment in the outdoor patio and complementary muffins and scones during Third Thursday. Visit www.cafedolce.net for details.

Sara Paan Beads, 16 East Central St.: Staff will help customers finish a piece during the "Beader Night Party" and give special demonstrations on creating multi-strand necklaces, loop earrings and more. Refreshments will be served. Visit www.maysjewelry.com for more details.

Artbeat, The Creativity Store, 9 Summer St.: Children are invited to meet local author/illustrator Debra Wainwright, who will read from her new book, "That Kind of Dog." Get a signed copy of the story and take a picture with Bramble. Free craft projects can be made while enjoying light refreshments.

Other downtown business will participate in the event.

Read the full article online at the Franklin Gazette

Town Council - Agenda - 5/20/09

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – April 15 & May 6, 2009

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS

E. APPOINTMENTS

F. HEARINGS

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSION

1. Charter Commission Report
2. Update of FY 2010 Budget

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

1. Resolution 09-30: Appropriations Amended
2. Bylaw Amendment 09-633: Amendment to Sewer Rates

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

L. OLD BUSINESS

M. NEW BUSINESS

N. COUNCIL COMMENTS

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

P. ADJOURN

Road Construction Alert

The Town of Franklin, Department of Public Works would like motorist and residents to know that the following streets will be under construction starting May 19, 2009 to about June 30, 2009:

• Beech Street from Kathleen Drive to Joseph Circle
• Daniels Street from Lenox Drive to Short Street
• Short Street from Daniels Street to Brook Street

The streets will be open to through traffic, however you should expect delays.

Any questions, contact DPW at 508-520-4910.

This was posted on the Franklin website

"there are some difficult choices to be made"

By Michelle Laczkoski/Daily News staff

Milford Daily News

Posted May 17, 2009 @ 11:36 PM

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FRANKLIN —

Teachers, nurses and residents fearful of deep cuts to state programs and services pleaded their case yesterday afternoon before a captive audience.

Gov. Deval Patrick listened intently while hosting a community forum at the senior center.

"We will get through this by hanging together, by being clear and bringing in the collective wisdom of everyone in the community," Patrick said.

The event is one of 36 forums scheduled across the state for the governor to hear from his constituents. Yesterday Patrick solicited ideas and fielded questions from more than 50 local residents.

Read the full article on Gov Patrick's visit to Franklin in the Milford Daily News here

Events in the schools this week

Jefferson - Wingmasters - Gr. 5 5/18/09 11:30-1 PM

Keller/Sullivan - Evening of the Arts 5/19/09 6:30 PM

JFK - Volunteer Reception 5/19/09 8-9:15 AM

Keller - Kevin Lemanowicz - Gr. 4 Weather 5/20/09 1:00 PM

JFK - Recorder Concert 5/20/09 2:00 PM

Remington - May Mosaic 5/21/09 6:30-8 PM

Oak - Memorial Day Concert 5/22/09 9:00 AM

Keller - Gr. 1 Celebrate America (Cafeteria) 5/22/09 9:00 AM

Parmenter - Memorial Day Remembrance (outside-weather permitting) 5/22/09 9:30 AM

FHS - Flea Market (rain or shine) - donations will go to the Food Pantry, Iraq/Afghanistan War Memorial, and the FHS Theater Scholarship 5/23/09 8 AM - 2 PM

Check each school website for additional information for these events

"The bylaw prohibits"

By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

Milford Daily News

Posted May 17, 2009 @ 09:27 PM

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FRANKLIN —

Conducting business in one's home isn't always kosher.

Catering businesses run from the family kitchen, for instance, is a no-no in the town of Franklin, as health officials worry about sanitation issues, says Town Administrator Jeffery D. Nutting, but they still exist here.

The Planning Department is proposing an amended bylaw to better define home businesses and what is allowed in a "home occupation" business and a "home professional office," in order to both make it easier to run a home-based business and to address concerns from neighbors and the health agent, said Town Planner Beth Dahlstrom and Conservation Agent Nick Alfieri.

The town's existing bylaw does not sufficiently cover home businesses, said Town Attorney Mark Cerel.

Read the full article on the home business bylaw in the Milford Daily News here

For all the discussions during the Town Council meeting on 5/6/09 check the live reporting here.

Internet Safety - 5/19/09 - 7:00 PM

The Franklin Community Health Council

Presents Worldwide leader in the area of online safety and parent and child Internet Education

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

7:00 PM

Horace Mann Middle School Auditorium

Parry Aftab is a security, privacy and cyberspace lawyer, as well as an author and child advocate. Ms. Aftab is Executive Director of WiredSafety.org, the largest online safety and educational program in cyberspace that provides important information and programs for children and teens, educators, law enforcement, parents and librarians for all matters related to children online, including online safety and privacy.

Parry Aftab is frequently called as an on‐air expert by all major news services, including CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, ABC News, The O'Riley Factor and CBS News. She has been used as a resource for 20/20, Dateline, Oprah, Inside Edition and 48 Hours. She has also appeared on Good Morning America, The Today Show, and the CBS Morning Show.

For more information please a contact: Lisa Keohane at lkeohane@dean.edu or call 508‐553‐4821

HMEA 5K: Wayne Levy

HMEA 5K: Wayne Levy, originally uploaded by shersteve.

Wayne Levy has no one looking over his shoulder as he approaches the 2 mile mark in today's 5K race in Franklin, MA.

Well over 200 runners participated. There was another group of walkers who raised money for the HMEA today.

Teens drinking

By Aaron Wasserman/Daily News staff

GHS

Posted May 16, 2009 @ 11:42 PM

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FRANKLIN —

Police busted up a party Friday night and charged 11 teens with with underage possession of alcohol.

Police said they received a call reporting a party behind the businesses at 38 Pond St. at about 11 p.m.

Police arrested Michael A. Carbone, 17, of 12 Taft Drive; Eric C. Plakias, 17, of 5 Kayla Drive; Christopher B. Dixon, 17, of 5 Echo Bridge Road; Matthew C. O'Neill, 18, of 95 Daniels St.; Patrick S. Cameron, 18, of 580 Maple St.; Michael B. Iacobucci, 18, of 10 Elizabeth Ave.; Matthew C. O'Brien, 18, of 8 Meadow Parkway; Daniel Joseph Telhada, 17, of 23 Susan's Way; Ryan M. Killoy, 18, of 49 Pond St.; Philip Graff, 17, of 17 Marthas Way and a juvenile whose name was not released.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News

Are you registered on the Do Not Call listing?

If you haven't registered yet, Massachusetts residents can use this online form to register. It takes less than a minute to provide the required information.

You can also check to see if your phone # is already registered.

Remember that this will help reduce unwanted phone calls, no one can guarantee stopping all of them.