Sunday, May 13, 2012
Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - May 16
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
February 1, 2012, February 15, 2012
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
This meeting is being recorded by Verizon, Comcast, and Franklin Matters
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
Proclamation, Andrew E. Bissanti
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
E. APPOINTMENTS
F. HEARINGS
Alcoholic Beverage License - Failure to Pass Compliance Check – Bamboo House – 7:10 PM
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 12-32: Order Dedicating Town-Owned Land at 459 Pleasant Street for Use As A Public Playground or Recreation Centre
2. Resolution 12-33: Expressing the Sense of the Franklin Town Council in Support of the People’s Rights Amendment
3. Resolution 12-34: Acceptance of Gift – Town of Franklin Council on Aging
4. Bylaw Amendment 12-683: Amendment to Chapter 170, Vehicles and Traffic, §19.B – 1st Reading
5. Bylaw Amendment 12-684:Amendment to Chapter 82, Appendix A, List of Service Fee Rates – 1st Reading
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
The full set of documents for this agenda can be found on the Franklin website
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2012%20docs/5-16-2012.pdf
“It’s a very positive program"
“I think it’s very important,” Dahlstrom, the town’s planner, said of ensuring residents can walk around town. “We’re obviously not an urban center but we do pretty well. I find it’s very easy to get from Point A to Point B.”
Dahlstrom hopes an initiative by a Boston-based walking advocacy organization to expand outside of Boston and its surrounding communities into the suburbs will help more people realize they can walk around their town.
The organization, walkBoston, through a grant from the MetroWest Health Foundation is working with officials in Franklin, Northborough and Milford to identify walkable areas and map out routes that show the distance and time to walk between shops, historical landmarks, schools and other destinations.
Read more: http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x2069501057/Communities-want-you-to-break-out-your-walking-shoes#ixzz1ukUvpacS
"Dean has prepared me for what’s next"
“Dean College showed me acceptance when other schools didn’t,” said O’Reilly, who majored in theater. “I’m proud of this school. I’m proud I came to this school, and I’m proud of what I’ve done at this school.”
More than 300 Bulldogs dressed in burgundy gowns received associate and bachelor degrees yesterday morning at Dean College’s 146th commencement ceremony.
The college added its first bachelor of arts program in 2007, and by 2010 it offered several four-year programs in business, theater and liberal arts.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x255391767/Dean-College-graduates-Class-of-2012#ixzz1ukTleJU6
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Things to do today in Franklin
An Introduction to Gardening and Garden Planning
9:30 am to 11:30 am
By the Franklin Community Garden at the YMCA 45 Forge Hill Road Franklin, MA
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/franklin-community-garden-update.html
Stamp Out Hunger food drive
Timed with you mail delivery
Leave out a bag for your mail carrier with food or non-food items. They will pick it up on the mail delivery rounds today and bring it to the Franklin Food Pantry.
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/stamp-out-hunger-sat-may-12.html
Cub Scout Recycle Shoe drive
2:00 to 4:00 PM
- Fletcher Field on Peck Street
- Dacey Community Fields on Lincoln Street (from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.)
- King Street Memorial Park on King Street
- Beaver Pond on Beaver Street
- Town Common across from St. Mary’s Church
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/franklin-cub-scouts-looking-for-shoes.html
"everybody knows where we are"
“That shouldn’t have happened last year,” Town Council Chairman Robert Vallee said, of the Town Council cut.
To prevent a similar scene, the School Committee and Town Council have been meeting regularly as the Joint Budget Subcommittee to provide each other updates on budget needs and financial limits.
“There’s more communication, more open communication, between the School Committee and the Town Council,” Vallee said. “There’s nothing (in the fiscal 2013 budget) that will come up that will make the councilors attack the School Department for any reason whatsoever, nothing controversial.”
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x775168158/Franklin-officials-hope-to-avoid-budget-showdowns-this-year#ixzz1ued22sgs
The Town Council will hold their budget hearings on Weds May 23 and Thu May 24.
The budget documents can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/04/franklin-ma-fy-2013-budget-documents.html
The Finance Committee budget hearings
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/04/fincom-fy-2013-budget-hearings.html
Friday, May 11, 2012
“You get to share stuff"
Seven sets of twins at the same school? in the same kindergarten grade?
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x2069500543/Seven-sets-of-twins-in-same-grade-no-big-deal-at-Franklin-school#ixzz1uYIJXYE4
Parmenter Principal Tom Morris said that, while twins aren’t necessarily uncommon in schools, he hasn’t seen such a large number of them in the same grade in his more than 20 years in education.
“Having so many here this year has been interesting for us,” Morris said. Chuckling, he added, “It can be hard for a principal to learn names when you have kids who look exactly alike.”
Fortunately for Morris, most of the twins have been split up, not sharing a teacher.
Despite living in close proximity to one another, none of the parents of the 14 students were aware of this anomaly until they signed their children up for school over the summer, they said.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x2069500543/Seven-sets-of-twins-in-same-grade-no-big-deal-at-Franklin-school#ixzz1uYIJXYE4
Alert: low flying helicopters Friday, May 18
From the Announcement page on the Franklin website:
Please be advised that on Friday, May 18th, National Grid will be conducting low-level distribution and sub-transmission helicopter patrols in the area. In case of inclement weather the patrols will be postponed until a later date.
As Foxborough folds, optimism grows in Milford for casino
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
A decision this week by the Kraft Group and Wynn Resorts to drop their plans for a resort casino in Foxborough has kindled increased optimism for development of a casino in Milford (and no doubt other places as well), the MetroWest Daily News reports. Colorado-based developer David Nunes is looking to build a $700 million, 300,000-square-foot casino at the junction of Rte. 16 and Interstate 495 in Milford. Nunes told the Daily News that with Foxborough out of the picture, there is now going to be...
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Franklin Library: Nook eReaders
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
Things you can do from here:
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- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
Thursday, May 10, 2012
“What is Franklin?"
The last master plan was drafted in 1997, and is the document Franklin officials refer to now when making any developmental changes to town, but even that draft was never fully adopted, officials said last night.
“We need your input,” Town Councilor and Master Plan Committee Chairman Jeffrey Roy told residents, and a local cable TV camera.
“We can’t do this alone. We can’t make this work unless you participate.”
The master plan has seven sections, explained town Planning Department Director Bryan Taberner: economic development; land use; community service and facilities; housing; natural, cultural, and historic resources; circulation; and open space and recreation. Public opinion is sought when making any changes.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x2069500175/Franklin-residents-offer-guidance-for-town-master-plan#ixzz1uSS7gvV3
Related posts on the Master Plan
From Dec 2011
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/12/what-is-franklins-master-plan.html
The recent announcement of these public hearings (next one Sat May 19th 10:00 AM at the library)
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/franklins-master-plan-public-hearings.html
The Committee has a website on the Franklin Town page athttp://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_BComm/Masterplan.
It also has a presence on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/FranklinMasterPlan.
HMEA 11th Annual Independence 5K - May 20th
Run or walk for a good cause on Sunday May 20th. The HMEA is holding their 11th Annual Independence 5K Race/Walk event at the EMC facility on 50 Constitution Blvd, here in Franklin, MA.
If you want to register as a runner, you can do that directly here
http://www.active.com/register/index.cfm?CHECKSSO=0&EVENT_ID=2009516
or if you want to register and raise some funds for HMEA, you can do that here
http://www.firstgiving.com/hmea
You can also view the document here
https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B0wjbnXDBhczMXJVVzMxLVFRazQ
If you want to register as a runner, you can do that directly here
http://www.active.com/register/index.cfm?CHECKSSO=0&EVENT_ID=2009516
or if you want to register and raise some funds for HMEA, you can do that here
http://www.firstgiving.com/hmea
You can also view the document here
https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B0wjbnXDBhczMXJVVzMxLVFRazQ
Introducing "Food Chain" (video)
There is more interest in food now than at any point in our nation’s history. We have more standards with which to make conscious food choices than ever before. Yet while people want to know where their food is grown, how it’s grown, and when it was harvested, no one is really asking any questions beginning with “who”. Despite this tremendous interest in food, there is almost no interest in the people that pick it.
Found on the Civil Eats website
http://civileats.com/2012/05/02/meet-your-food-chain/
Google, MBTA Debut Innovative Station Indoor Maps
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation by Klark Jessen on 5/9/12
Beginning today, MBTA riders will have a new and innovative way to get around the system. The MBTA is excited to announce that the T is the first U.S transit agency to have indoor maps of its stations in Google Maps for Android. Google Maps for Android users will now see indoor maps when they zoom into select MBTA stations. With indoor maps, users will be able to see station features such as stairs, escalators, elevators, entrances and exits to help guide them through the system. The "blue dot," familiar to Google Maps users can now help riders find their own location in many indoor stations.
Indoor maps and walking directions are available in Google Maps for Android in two dozen key stations including Park Street, South Station, and Downtown Crossing.
This new feature is the latest way that the MBTA is collaborating with Google to help riders get around the system. Last year, the MBTA was one of the first U.S. transit agencies to bring real-time transit data to Google Maps. In 2009, Google and the MBTA launched our collaboration to provide digital transit maps and schedule information.
This initiative is just one of many ways that the MBTA is working to give customers improved information. More than 50 apps answering the question, "Where's the T?" are available at MBTA.com/apps.
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Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Franklin Community Garden Update
Hello Gardeners,
Every indication shows that we've passed the last of the cold weather, and have entered into prime gardening time. The average last frost date for Franklin Massachusetts is May 1st, and the extended forecast shows pleasant weather in our future. If you haven't had a chance to get down to the garden an prepare your bed now is a good time. We have early weeds that are starting to go to seed, so get them pulled now before they spread the next generation into your bed and your neighbors! Remember that you are responsible for weeding your bed and the area around it!
When you visit the garden you may also notice a new structure in it, we now have a garden shed with tools in it thanks to a generous grant from the Franklin Rotary! The shed has a keyed lock on the front, and you can obtain your key to the lock at the Recreation department. Please be sure to lock the shed after you leave, and return any tools you've borrowed. If you'd like to further suppress weeds in your area feel free to take woodchips from the large pile and add them on top of any weed hotspots. The wheelbarrow and tools in the shed makes moving them easy, and there are gardening gloves in the shed to aid handling.
The water seems to be running slowly, but hasn't been officially turned on. We're in contact with the town to have to water turned on fully as soon as possible.
We have a number of gardening events coming up in May!
May 12th: 9:30 am to 11:30 am - An Introduction to Gardening and Garden Planning at the YMCA 45 Forge Hill Road Franklin, MA
May 19th: 9:00 am to 11:00 am - A Tomato Planting & Support Demonstration at the King St. Memorial Garden
May 28th: 11:00 am to 1:00 pm - King St. Memorial Garden 1st Anniversary Celebration at the King St. Memorial Garden
We hope to see you there!
The Franklin Community Garden Committee
Additional Event Info
An Introduction to Gardening and Garden Planning
Hosted By: Chris Clay, Friends of Franklin Community Gardens, and the YMCA
May 12th: 9:00 am to 11:00 am
YMCA 45 Forge Hill Road Franklin, MA
This class will give you a basic introduction to gardening and what you need to do to have a successful harvest. We'll also go over the basics of planning out what you'll be putting in your garden throughout the growing season, and have materials on hand to help you plan your garden for this year. All those who attend will also be able to pickup some free seeds, and meet fellow gardeners.
A Tomato Planting & Support Demonstration
Hosted By: Chris Clay and Friends of Franklin Community Gardens
May 19th: 9:00 am to 11:00 am
King St. Memorial Community Garden
Tomatoes are the most popular vegetable among home gardeners, and with good reason. The flavor of a tomato fresh off the vine is something you simply cannot find at the supermarket. They also happen to be my favorite vegetable, and in this presentation I'll go over the tips and tricks for successful tomato growing I've collected. I'll also cover additional information on tomato varieties, how to prune tomatoes, and setup proper support structures for optimal tomato health.
King St. Memorial Garden 1st Anniversary Celebration
Hosted By: The Friends of Franklin Community Gardens and the Franklin Community Garden Committee
May 28th: 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
King St. Memorial Community Garden
On May 28th, 2011 the King St. Memorial Community Garden official opened for gardening. Join us as we celebrate the our first successful first year of gardening, and the many years to come. There will be seedlings on hand for sale to support The Friends of Franklin Community Gardens efforts to continue to expand on the garden, and other events and activities. Drop by to share a story, a piece of cake, or just the view.
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Every indication shows that we've passed the last of the cold weather, and have entered into prime gardening time. The average last frost date for Franklin Massachusetts is May 1st, and the extended forecast shows pleasant weather in our future. If you haven't had a chance to get down to the garden an prepare your bed now is a good time. We have early weeds that are starting to go to seed, so get them pulled now before they spread the next generation into your bed and your neighbors! Remember that you are responsible for weeding your bed and the area around it!
 |
| Raised bed in April, 2012 |
When you visit the garden you may also notice a new structure in it, we now have a garden shed with tools in it thanks to a generous grant from the Franklin Rotary! The shed has a keyed lock on the front, and you can obtain your key to the lock at the Recreation department. Please be sure to lock the shed after you leave, and return any tools you've borrowed. If you'd like to further suppress weeds in your area feel free to take woodchips from the large pile and add them on top of any weed hotspots. The wheelbarrow and tools in the shed makes moving them easy, and there are gardening gloves in the shed to aid handling.
The water seems to be running slowly, but hasn't been officially turned on. We're in contact with the town to have to water turned on fully as soon as possible.
We have a number of gardening events coming up in May!
May 12th: 9:30 am to 11:30 am - An Introduction to Gardening and Garden Planning at the YMCA 45 Forge Hill Road Franklin, MA
May 19th: 9:00 am to 11:00 am - A Tomato Planting & Support Demonstration at the King St. Memorial Garden
May 28th: 11:00 am to 1:00 pm - King St. Memorial Garden 1st Anniversary Celebration at the King St. Memorial Garden
We hope to see you there!
The Franklin Community Garden Committee
Additional Event Info
An Introduction to Gardening and Garden Planning
Hosted By: Chris Clay, Friends of Franklin Community Gardens, and the YMCA
May 12th: 9:00 am to 11:00 am
YMCA 45 Forge Hill Road Franklin, MA
This class will give you a basic introduction to gardening and what you need to do to have a successful harvest. We'll also go over the basics of planning out what you'll be putting in your garden throughout the growing season, and have materials on hand to help you plan your garden for this year. All those who attend will also be able to pickup some free seeds, and meet fellow gardeners.
A Tomato Planting & Support Demonstration
Hosted By: Chris Clay and Friends of Franklin Community Gardens
May 19th: 9:00 am to 11:00 am
King St. Memorial Community Garden
Tomatoes are the most popular vegetable among home gardeners, and with good reason. The flavor of a tomato fresh off the vine is something you simply cannot find at the supermarket. They also happen to be my favorite vegetable, and in this presentation I'll go over the tips and tricks for successful tomato growing I've collected. I'll also cover additional information on tomato varieties, how to prune tomatoes, and setup proper support structures for optimal tomato health.
King St. Memorial Garden 1st Anniversary Celebration
Hosted By: The Friends of Franklin Community Gardens and the Franklin Community Garden Committee
May 28th: 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
King St. Memorial Community Garden
On May 28th, 2011 the King St. Memorial Community Garden official opened for gardening. Join us as we celebrate the our first successful first year of gardening, and the many years to come. There will be seedlings on hand for sale to support The Friends of Franklin Community Gardens efforts to continue to expand on the garden, and other events and activities. Drop by to share a story, a piece of cake, or just the view.
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