The Farmers Market will be open today from noon to 6:00 PM on the Town Common.
This is your weekly opportunity to help the local economy and to get quality food items.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Franklin Farmers Market Noon - 6:00 PM
The Farmers Market will be open today from noon to 6:00 PM on the Town Common.
This is your weekly opportunity to help the local economy and to get quality food items.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Site prep for Walgreens continues with Four Corners Bldg gone
If you have any photos of Four Corners as it was being taken down that you would like to share, please let me know.
If you have any interior photos of Four Corners as a school building that you would like to share, please let me know.
Today - Third Thursday
TODAY
On Thursday, July 16th, the Franklin Downtown Partnership presents its monthly Third Thursday event. Hosted in July by Rick’s Restaurant and Salon Sorella, and sponsored by Middlesex Savings Bank, the event will feature Obi’s Boys performing timeless and traditional bluegrass favorites, along with ice cream, giveaways, and open houses by Franklin Downtown members.
Salon Sorella will give away free beach balls and sun awareness sample packs, and will hold a free drawing for sun-safe airbrush tanning. Artbeat, the Creativity Store, will offer free face painting and balloons from 4:30 to 6 pm, along with lemonade and cookies. Sarapaan is holding an open house at their new location next to Café Dolce, and Emma’s Quilt Cupboard & Sewing Machines will preview their broad selection of Christmas fabric, samples, and decorations.
In addition, Pretty is Pink will offer 20% off all Vera Bradley purchases along with bubbly and treats, and Jane’s Frames will host an artists’ reception featuring local artists James McCue and Robert Collins. Bob Collins will discuss the compositional elements of landscape, as well as how and why artists design landscapes while he works with acrylics on canvas. Refreshments will be served.
Franklin Downtown Partnership, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering greater vitality in the downtown commercial district and to serve as a vehicle for public policy discourse. The Partnership sees Franklin’s downtown as the heart of the community. The Partnership’s mission is to lessen the burden of local government through public improvement activities, which combat community deterioration, preserve the historic downtown character and educate the public about the architecture and history of the area. The Partnership office is located at 9 east Central Street. For more information you can contact Executive Director, Lisa Piana at (774)571-3109 or at downtown.franklin@yahoo.com
Middlesex Savings Bank, a $4.0 billion financial institution, is one of the largest independent community banks in Massachusetts. Headquartered in Natick, the bank has over 600 employees in 25 towns and offers a full range of personal and business financial services.
On Thursday, July 16th, the Franklin Downtown Partnership presents its monthly Third Thursday event. Hosted in July by Rick’s Restaurant and Salon Sorella, and sponsored by Middlesex Savings Bank, the event will feature Obi’s Boys performing timeless and traditional bluegrass favorites, along with ice cream, giveaways, and open houses by Franklin Downtown members.
Salon Sorella will give away free beach balls and sun awareness sample packs, and will hold a free drawing for sun-safe airbrush tanning. Artbeat, the Creativity Store, will offer free face painting and balloons from 4:30 to 6 pm, along with lemonade and cookies. Sarapaan is holding an open house at their new location next to Café Dolce, and Emma’s Quilt Cupboard & Sewing Machines will preview their broad selection of Christmas fabric, samples, and decorations.
In addition, Pretty is Pink will offer 20% off all Vera Bradley purchases along with bubbly and treats, and Jane’s Frames will host an artists’ reception featuring local artists James McCue and Robert Collins. Bob Collins will discuss the compositional elements of landscape, as well as how and why artists design landscapes while he works with acrylics on canvas. Refreshments will be served.
Franklin Downtown Partnership, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering greater vitality in the downtown commercial district and to serve as a vehicle for public policy discourse. The Partnership sees Franklin’s downtown as the heart of the community. The Partnership’s mission is to lessen the burden of local government through public improvement activities, which combat community deterioration, preserve the historic downtown character and educate the public about the architecture and history of the area. The Partnership office is located at 9 east Central Street. For more information you can contact Executive Director, Lisa Piana at (774)571-3109 or at downtown.franklin@yahoo.com
Middlesex Savings Bank, a $4.0 billion financial institution, is one of the largest independent community banks in Massachusetts. Headquartered in Natick, the bank has over 600 employees in 25 towns and offers a full range of personal and business financial services.
Town Council Mtg Smry 07/15/09
The collection of live reporting from the Town Council meeting of 7/15/09 can be found here
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Live reporting - meeting wrap-up
Zollo - can you explain what the contruction at Exit 16/King St is doing?
Nutting - this will be a $3.5 million project to widen the entrance to the industrial park, add lights to both exits, have double lanes under the bridges. You might want to take Exit 17 for some time.
Feely - provides a brief update on the school building committee in response to a request from Zollo. Bottom line, the Town could go for a debt exclusion as early as Dec 2010.
There is an agreement in principle on what the renovations would be, initial plans could be submitted in Aug 2009. Assuming these plans are accepted, then the plans would be worked to a finer detail with a project manager, etc. and re-submitted. Assuming this set of plans are accepted by the State then the Town would have 120 days to approve a debt exclusion.
My note - the operative word would be "renovations". There was no mention of a new building only renovations.
Nutting - this will be a $3.5 million project to widen the entrance to the industrial park, add lights to both exits, have double lanes under the bridges. You might want to take Exit 17 for some time.
Feely - provides a brief update on the school building committee in response to a request from Zollo. Bottom line, the Town could go for a debt exclusion as early as Dec 2010.
There is an agreement in principle on what the renovations would be, initial plans could be submitted in Aug 2009. Assuming these plans are accepted, then the plans would be worked to a finer detail with a project manager, etc. and re-submitted. Assuming this set of plans are accepted by the State then the Town would have 120 days to approve a debt exclusion.
My note - the operative word would be "renovations". There was no mention of a new building only renovations.
Live reporting - action items (continued)
- Resolution 09-50: Increase of Local Excise Tax on Hotels and Other Public Lodgings Motion to approve : 7-1 (1 no from Vallee)
- Resolution 09-51: Acceptance of G.L. Chapter 64L, Section 2 Authorizing Local Option Meals Excise Motion to approve : 7-1 (1 no from Vallee)
- Resolution 09-52: Authorization for Intermunicipal Agreement for Library Services with Town of Medway Motion to approve : 8-0
- Resolution 09-53 : Transfer funds for Worker Compensation Motion to approve : 8-0
Notes for #1
Vallee - this is doing the wrong thing.
Whalen - what is this money used for?
Nutting - It can be used for anything by the Town Council, it has by precedent been used for open space and capital requirements
Mason - I'd have to disagree with Vallee, we have been looking at additional revenue for a long time, the time is now.
Nutting - Cities will move quicker on this due to the town meeting process, I expect this will sweep the state.
Bartlett - have any of the hotels or restaurants complained about this?
Nutting - no
Notes for #2
Vallee - I again will speak against this, we are doing the worng thing at this time for the economy
Notes for #4
The amount of money required is correct, this is just adjusting the accounts to allow for the processing.
Live reporting - Action items
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Notes -
Item #2
Vallee - this was approved by the Council in 2001 as part of the 20/20 plan?
Nutting - yes, that is corrected
Alan Earls, Del Arnold representing the Historical Commission. The full membership of the Historical Commission are in attendance tonight.
It is time to consider a new role for the museum. Permanent displays, rotating displays, providing a fresh experience throughout the year, no-longer a case of "been there done that".
The opportunities are almost unlimited. Partner with local groups to displays, small concerts, etc.
Centrally located, now can be a good fit with the local business community. This will require additional volunteers and training but is can and should be done.
The renovations themselves are important to the artifacts. Working with the architect worked to obtain what we need not what we would like to have to minimize costs. Improve the lighting for the displays. Additional power outlets being added to provide flexibility on the main floor.
Storage on the lower floor will remain there. Items already moved from the Washington St location. Work is underway to complete the catalog effort.
Working with Downtown Partnership to be included in the Third Thursday events currently underway.
Mason - multiple questions to clarify the condition of the artifacts
Arnold - yes, we have lost items of clothing over a hundred years old that were not properly protected, some photos have deteriorated, we would like to get into the new space to be able to provide better protection as well as get into a process of making copies and displaying the copies keeping the originals in a protected space.
Zollo - Where are we compared to other localities?
Arnold - We have a pretty good collection, maybe not the top but amongst the top.
Total project cost $710,000 including all contingencies
Bartlett - to do this completely, this is a fair request with minimal costing
It would be better to set aside the Four Corners money for the High School
I could support the $210,000 already provided
McGann - What is the cost components from the contracts?
Nutting - biggest cost is the HVAC, electrical (about $300,000) and replacing the windows
Zollo - this is small compared to the High School project, this has a learning component, not materially large enough to compare to the High School
Pfeffer - We are the home to the first public library, we are the birthplace of Horace Mann the father of education, we have said we were going to do this, not doing it to pass an override next year is not good thinking
Mason - I am in support of this project
Whalen - they are talking about apples and oranges, the scale is vastly different in dollars, the opportunity cost is vast
Feely - none of this money can be used
Bartlett - no, all others yes; motion approved 7-1
- Resolution 09-48: Authorization to Hold Bonfire Motion to Approve 8-0
- Resolution 09-49: Appropriation: Renovation of Horace Mann Museum Motion to Approve 7-1
Notes -
Item #2
Vallee - this was approved by the Council in 2001 as part of the 20/20 plan?
Nutting - yes, that is corrected
Alan Earls, Del Arnold representing the Historical Commission. The full membership of the Historical Commission are in attendance tonight.
It is time to consider a new role for the museum. Permanent displays, rotating displays, providing a fresh experience throughout the year, no-longer a case of "been there done that".
The opportunities are almost unlimited. Partner with local groups to displays, small concerts, etc.
Centrally located, now can be a good fit with the local business community. This will require additional volunteers and training but is can and should be done.
The renovations themselves are important to the artifacts. Working with the architect worked to obtain what we need not what we would like to have to minimize costs. Improve the lighting for the displays. Additional power outlets being added to provide flexibility on the main floor.
Storage on the lower floor will remain there. Items already moved from the Washington St location. Work is underway to complete the catalog effort.
Working with Downtown Partnership to be included in the Third Thursday events currently underway.
Mason - multiple questions to clarify the condition of the artifacts
Arnold - yes, we have lost items of clothing over a hundred years old that were not properly protected, some photos have deteriorated, we would like to get into the new space to be able to provide better protection as well as get into a process of making copies and displaying the copies keeping the originals in a protected space.
Zollo - Where are we compared to other localities?
Arnold - We have a pretty good collection, maybe not the top but amongst the top.
Total project cost $710,000 including all contingencies
Bartlett - to do this completely, this is a fair request with minimal costing
It would be better to set aside the Four Corners money for the High School
I could support the $210,000 already provided
McGann - What is the cost components from the contracts?
Nutting - biggest cost is the HVAC, electrical (about $300,000) and replacing the windows
Zollo - this is small compared to the High School project, this has a learning component, not materially large enough to compare to the High School
Pfeffer - We are the home to the first public library, we are the birthplace of Horace Mann the father of education, we have said we were going to do this, not doing it to pass an override next year is not good thinking
Mason - I am in support of this project
Whalen - they are talking about apples and oranges, the scale is vastly different in dollars, the opportunity cost is vast
Feely - none of this money can be used
Bartlett - no, all others yes; motion approved 7-1
Live reporting - Planning & Community Development
Brian Taberner and Beth Dahlstrom
The presentation that was used for this portion of the meeting can be found here
Preliminary work for an update to the Master Plan
Zoning Bylaws
Create a community where entrepreneurs will want to settle and raise their families
Town Owned Properties
Nu-Style property
what to do next needs to be determined
Four Corners (no longer Town owned)
building demolished and construction underway for Walgreens
Pond St Property
consultant working on studies, designated as Priority Development Site (PDS) and Economic Opportunity Area (EOA)
Business attraction and retainage
highlight Franklin's community assets
Working with Downtown Partnership on the downtown plan
Bartlett - Where are we with the downtown, this has been in planning for years?
Nutting - we are waiting upon the state approval for the contract, we are hopeful that this fall the design and public process would begin
4 interns have provided over 60 hours of good work for us for free since the beginning of the year
Zollo - best case when would the downtown project be completed?
Nutting - 3 years
Taberner - 3 years is very realistic at this point, we have been doing as much as we can
The presentation that was used for this portion of the meeting can be found here
Preliminary work for an update to the Master Plan
- will put a committee together to help implement with public imput
Zoning Bylaws
- Uses accessory to dwellings (Home occupation)
- Signs
- Commercial 1 Zoning District
- minor changes to Subdivision regulations
- minor changes to Plan Review Bylaw
- Exploring need for Wind Turbine and Mural bylaws
Create a community where entrepreneurs will want to settle and raise their families
Town Owned Properties
Nu-Style property
what to do next needs to be determined
Four Corners (no longer Town owned)
building demolished and construction underway for Walgreens
Pond St Property
consultant working on studies, designated as Priority Development Site (PDS) and Economic Opportunity Area (EOA)
Business attraction and retainage
highlight Franklin's community assets
Working with Downtown Partnership on the downtown plan
Bartlett - Where are we with the downtown, this has been in planning for years?
Nutting - we are waiting upon the state approval for the contract, we are hopeful that this fall the design and public process would begin
4 interns have provided over 60 hours of good work for us for free since the beginning of the year
Zollo - best case when would the downtown project be completed?
Nutting - 3 years
Taberner - 3 years is very realistic at this point, we have been doing as much as we can
Live reporting - Water Q&A
Vallee - why do you use chlorine?
Brutus - good long explanation, use to avoid potential 2 point per million, smallest amount to use, so it is constantly being run
Vallee - would you be better off replacing the asbestos pipes?
Brutus - the pipes are actually lined with asbestos, we have done that where we can.
Vallee - can you put in sidewalk when you do the road
Brutus - we don't have the funds for that, the driveway aprons kill us because of the hand work involved.
Bartlett - help me understand how this town or any town come to a reservoir or a tank?
Brutus - You need a place for a reservoir, we have a great water aquifer to pump from so the tanks make the most sense.
Bartlett - we have had some much rain this year, it is hard to explain why we still have a water restriction
Nutting - every year in perpetuity, we will have a restriction due to our permit not due to the water coming down as rain
Vallee - does the State limit us to how much we can pump?
Brutus - Yes, we are permitted to draw water, our water bans are later than most others.
Brutus - good long explanation, use to avoid potential 2 point per million, smallest amount to use, so it is constantly being run
Vallee - would you be better off replacing the asbestos pipes?
Brutus - the pipes are actually lined with asbestos, we have done that where we can.
Vallee - can you put in sidewalk when you do the road
Brutus - we don't have the funds for that, the driveway aprons kill us because of the hand work involved.
Bartlett - help me understand how this town or any town come to a reservoir or a tank?
Brutus - You need a place for a reservoir, we have a great water aquifer to pump from so the tanks make the most sense.
Bartlett - we have had some much rain this year, it is hard to explain why we still have a water restriction
Nutting - every year in perpetuity, we will have a restriction due to our permit not due to the water coming down as rain
Vallee - does the State limit us to how much we can pump?
Brutus - Yes, we are permitted to draw water, our water bans are later than most others.
Live reporting - License hearings
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS:
New License – The Alumni Club : motion to accept, approved 7-0, 1 absent, 1 recused (Feely)
Pledge of License - Three : motion to accept, approved 8-0
Live reporting - Water update
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
Water & Sewer Update – Brutus Cantoreggi
Water funds generated are used only for water expenses not for other operational departments in the Town. $4.9 million enterprise budget for FY 2010
Almost 1 billion gallons of water pumped last year, the year before was actually over 1 billion.
Fluoride added and a small amount of chlorine added to improve the quality of water.
In 2002 there were 126 tests were conducted. In 2008, there were 626 tests conducted, and testing expense increased from $10,000 (2002) to $55,000 in 2008.
The old permit was for 4.1 MGD, the new permit is for 3.64 MGD. (MGD = million gallons per day)
Reduced consumption (about 400,000 MGD) equates to reduced water revenue.
In the 20/20 capital plan for the water improvements there were
Goals/Plans for future
Continue water main replacement
Permitting approval for Pump #12
Replacement of FIP Water Tank
Water & Sewer Update – Brutus Cantoreggi
Water funds generated are used only for water expenses not for other operational departments in the Town. $4.9 million enterprise budget for FY 2010
Almost 1 billion gallons of water pumped last year, the year before was actually over 1 billion.
Fluoride added and a small amount of chlorine added to improve the quality of water.
In 2002 there were 126 tests were conducted. In 2008, there were 626 tests conducted, and testing expense increased from $10,000 (2002) to $55,000 in 2008.
The old permit was for 4.1 MGD, the new permit is for 3.64 MGD. (MGD = million gallons per day)
Reduced consumption (about 400,000 MGD) equates to reduced water revenue.
In the 20/20 capital plan for the water improvements there were
- new water treatment plant
- replaced over 15 miles of water main
- 90% replacement of residential water meters, 100% replacement of commercial
- renovation of existing wells
Goals/Plans for future
Continue water main replacement
- Emmons and Main Sts (next year)
- Sahlin Circle (next year)
- Lincoln St (multiple phases)
Permitting approval for Pump #12
Replacement of FIP Water Tank
Live reporting - Town Council 7/15/09
Attending: Whalen, Mason, Vallee, Bartlett, Feely, Pfeffer, McGann, Zollo
Missing: Doak
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - none
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS - none
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS - none
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS - none
E. APPOINTMENTS - none
Missing: Doak
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - none
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS - none
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS - none
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS - none
E. APPOINTMENTS - none
"biotechnology companies in general tend to offer well-paying jobs"
"It means we accept biotechnology in the community. We're trying to attract biotech in the community, because any such company will increase the assessed value of property, which means more tax revenue and jobs for the town," said Taberner.Read the full article about Franklin's economic development efforts to attract business in the Milford Daily News here
Harvest Festival - Sunday, Sept. 20
"This is much, much bigger than the Strawberry Festival - double the size, at least." said Lisa Piana, partnership executive director. "It's an event that people now put on their calendar, and vendors start calling in March and April," to reserve booths, as the partnership tries to avoid having competing vendors, said Piana.Read the full article about the preparations for the Harvest Festival in the Milford Daily News here
Franklin Road Projects
Be sure to check out the notice from the DPW about road work being done around town this summer. You can check the street listing here
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