Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Feb 6, 2013

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
November 28,2013, December 19, 2013, Executive Session

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

F. HEARINGS

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
Jim Dacey, Treasurer-Collector
Melanson Heath & Co., 2012 Audit

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 13-05: Hoffmann Farms, A Private Definitive Subdivision Acceptance of Covenant with Owner
2. Resolution 13-06: Appropriation: Town Clerk - Advertising
3. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 12-695:Changes to § 185-31. Site Plan and Design Review – 2nd Reading
4. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 12-696:Changes to § 185-20. H. Signs. Sign Approvals - 2nd Reading
5. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 12-697:Changes to § 185-45. N. Administration and Enforcement. Design Review Commission - 2nd 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 released with the agenda can be found on the Franklin Town Council webpage
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2013/020613.pdf

Franklin, MA: Finance Committee - Agenda - Feb 5, 2013

The Finance Committee (FinCom) is scheduled to meet on Tuesday. The meeting provides good insight into the budget and any expenditures that will come before the Town Council. With some exceptions for timing, any monetary expenses usually appear before this group for their approval  before going to the Town Council.

For Tuesday, the transfer of funds to the Town Clerk's advertising budget ($1,000) is up for discussion and approval. Due to the public hearings on the proposed bylaw changes (which require published notifications in the Milford Daily News), what had been forecasted for the Clerk's budget has already been drawn down. With only $1,000 being asked for, this is not a great deal but indicates the level of attention and awareness to the budget and expenses that can be found in this meeting.

The road repair budget is also up for discussion. Road repair has been a topic of conversation for several years as Franklin does recognize that it is behind on repairing roads. What dollars are available have been used effectively to rebuild the road infrastructure (water and sewer lines) and then do the repaving at the same time. This places a great deal of prioritization on what gets done when. If the water and sewer lines are in deed of repair, then it is easier to schedule to do both at the same time. If a road is in poor condition but the water and sewer lines are good, when does the road surface get done?


The published agenda for the FinCom meeting can be seen here





The FinCom agenda is also posted to the Franklin Finance Committee webpage here
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_FinanceAgendas/Agenda%202013-2-5

Franklin LIbrary: Krafty Mondays

 

 

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Krafty Mondays

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Franklin Public Schools: School Events

A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

Hello Please join the School Committee and administration on a tour of Davis Thayer Elementary on February 7 at 6:00 p.m in the lobby. Our tour will be led by Principal Evemarie McNeil and School Committee members, Roberta Trahan and Sue Rohrbach. Stop by the Jazz Cafe at Franklin HS featuring the HS Jazz Ensembles along with performances by all three middle school jazz bands. Concert will be held at Remington Middle School on February 6 at 7:00 p.m. Have a a great weekend 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.

In the News: lacrosse world cup

High School Notebook: Lax star Igoe won't relax

by Dan Cagen/Daily News staff

Former Framingham All-American Kristin Igoe has been an assistant coach with the Mass Mavericks girls lacrosse club team since last year. Over the summer, she was hired as Franklin’s coach for the upcoming season. And, oh yes, she made the U.S. team for this summer’s World Cup on Tuesday.

"the start of a good Hockomock League rivalry"

Milford joined the Hockomock League and played Franklin in basketball on Friday night.

Milford and Franklin have a long history as football rivals. Alas, no longer: Milford’s departure from the Mid-Wach League means the teams will never again stare down one another on the gridiron. 

"We won’t be playing each other in football, so hopefully this rivalry can continue," said FHS Athletic Director Brad Sidwell. 

Milford High Athletic Director Rich Piergustavo said a league basketball showdown between the two is "long overdue." 

"They have great programs, as do we, and we look forward to competing with them in more than just football," Piergustavo said.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x930794999/Milford-Franklin-meet-in-their-first-Hockomock-clash#ixzz2JjyLHVpn

Current standing for the Hockomock League can be found here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/standings3.html

In the News: Phone-a-thon, majority whip, Purim Carnival

Franklin Food Pantry Phone-A-Thon set for February

by GateHouse Media, Inc.

The Franklin Food Pantry will conduct its annual Phone-A-Thon on Saturdays, Feb. 9 and 16, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Ashland's Spilka named majority whip of Senate

by Staff reports

Senate President Therese Murray, D-Plymouth, Thursday named state Sen. Karen Spilka, D-Ashland as the Majority Whip of the Massachusetts Senate, according to a press release from Spilka’s office.

Temple Etz Chaim celebrates Purim

by GateHouse Media, Inc.

On Sunday, February 10, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the Temple Etz Chaim Purim Carnival will be held in the cafeteria of Medway High School, 88 Summer St., Medway.

A Day to Give and Receive at Team Fitness Franklin

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Team Fitness Franklin A day to give and receive at Team Fitness Franklin..... Greetings! Happy New Year. There is so much going on in our lives that we need to take time to be grateful for what we have. We do hope good health has graced you in this new year. Please see below some of the events being planned at the club and how to participate if you choose. A blood drive and our annual Best Buddies event are coming in February and we hope you will be able to enjoy both by participating or coming in to cheer on the participants. Any questions, please ask at the front desk for the information. Yours in Health and Fitness, The Team at Team Fitness and CrossFit Franklin American Red Cross Blood Drive Saturday, February 2nd 9 am - 2 pm Located at Team Fitness Franklin in the CrossFit Franklin Box. You may register at the desk or through this link: http://www.redcrossblood.org/make-donation-other?city=franklin&state=MA&date[min][date]=2013-02-02&date[max][date]=2013-02-02 **Please note the change in class times. Only classes to be held will be spin, chiseled and The Dance Party from 11-1. However, Met Con will be the only CrossFit class and will be held in the garage room from 10-11 am due to limitations in space availability.**  100 Franklin Village Drive Franklin, Massachusetts 02038 Feb 2 9:00AM-2:00PM Dance Party and Met Con! Please note the Zumba vs Stride (AKA: Latin vs Hip Hop) Dance fundraiser party will be held in the Group Exercise Room Saturday, Feb 2, from 11 am - 1 pm. Must raise a minimum of $50.00 For Best Buddies to participate. For further questions of for tax receipt forms, contact Sarah Avedisian- smava26@gmail.com.  Met Con will be held in the Garage Room from 10-11 am.  All regular Saturday group ex classes, spin and chiseled will also be held. No other CrossFit classes will be held due to limited space. Best Buddies Spin-a-thon Saturday, February 23, 2013 from 7 am -10 am in the CrossFit Franklin box. 3 hour fundraiser to benefit Best Buddies Massachusetts. Fundraising minimum requirement $250/hour or $450/3 hours. Raffles, silent auction, music, snacks, smoothie samples and water. Always an incredible time. Please visit  www.bestbuddies.org for more details on the organization and its importance and purpose. After the spin event and clean up there will be a CrossFit WOD 10:30- 11:30 in the box designed by Coach Lee. Donation of $25.00 donation to Best Buddies is appreciated.  Upcoming Events Red Cross Blood Drive Best Buddies Fundraiser Sidebar Title KIDS PROGRAMS:  Team Fitness and CrossFit Franklin now have a 5-9 year old group for CF Kids that is Monday's and Fridays 4-445.   Private Athletic Team Training  now available with contact Tom Cochrane via email at tom@teamfitnessfranklin.com.  Nutrition Counseling  will be available starting in February with Megan McCarthy, B.S Nutrition and Food Science and contact her at megan@teamfitnessfranklin.com  as always... any questions feel free to stop by or call the front desk at 508-541-8330 for details. Save 50% Please present this coupon and present it to the front desk for 50% off a Team Fitness and/or CrossFit Franklin imprinted t-shirt or tank of your choice that is: $10 per t-shirt and $12.50 per tank top. No limit to the amount of shirts purchased. Please ask at the front desk for size and color options.  Offer Expires: Sunday, February 10th, 2013.

Forward this email Team Fitness Franklin | 100 Franklin Village Drive | Franklin | MA | 02038

Calling for the Food Pantry!

Volunteers for the Franklin Food Pantry will be calling residents of Franklin, MA as part of a fundraising effort during specific time periods on Saturday, Feb 9, 2013. The volunteers will be using the phone bank at Dean College to call residents.  

The volunteers will announce that this is the 3rd annual phone call fundraising effort for the Food Pantry. The Pantry is looking to raise funds to provide for the over 600 individuals it services each month.

Franklin Food Pantry - new logo

Donors will be asked to make their contribution via credit card, or to make a pledge. The pledge will result in regular mail sent to their address which can be returned via the mail with a check, or the check could be dropped off at the Pantry during operating hours.

If using a credit card, donors will be asked to visit the Food Pantry website and make a secure transaction with their credit card. The website can be found at http://franklinfoodpantry.org/

Note that the volunteer calls will appear as “Dean College” for those with caller ID.
The Food Pantry thanks Dean College for the gracious access to their phone bank for this fundraiser.

Volunteers to make the phone calls are still welcome. There are several time slots to choose from. If you would like to help with this effort, please call the Food Pantry.

Saturday, Feb 9th
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.


For additional information on the campaign, contact Bob Hamilton at the Franklin Food Pantry. Telephone Number: 508-528-3115. Bob can also be reached via email at bob@franklinfoodpantry.org



Note: yes, this is the new logo for the Franklin Food Pantry. You will see more of it as the Pantry continues to spread the word about the good work it does for our Franklin neighbors.

Kicking Off the New Year and Legislative Session

Dear Steve, Happy New Year! I hope you and your family had a wonderful holiday season and are beginning 2013 with health and happiness. The new year brings a new legislative session here at the Massachusetts State House. Supporting our communities, strengthening our workforce, improving the economy, and protecting our most vulnerable residents continue to be my top priorities. I remain steadfast in my commitment to these important issues and my advocacy for my constituents and the entire MetroWest region. This newsletter highlights a few of the bills that I have filed this legislative session and some of the recent happenings here at the State House. For a complete list of the legislation I filed for the 2013-2014 session, you can visit www.karenspilka.com.  As always, if I can be of any assistance to you, please contact my office at (617) 722-1640 or email me at Karen.Spilka@masenate.gov. Kind Regards,   Continuing Partnerships and Forging New Ones in the 2nd Middlesex & Norfolk On January 3rd, I was sworn in for my fifth term as the Senator for the 2nd Middlesex and Norfolk district, representing the Towns of Ashland, Framingham, Franklin, Holliston, Hopkinton, Medway, and Natick. This session, I look forward to continued collaboration with my colleagues in the House to represent these towns and their residents. I will be working with Representatives Tom Sannicandro, Chris Walsh, Carolyn Dykema, David Linsky, John Fernandes, Tom Conroy, and the newly elected Jeffrey Roy. Senator Richard Ross and I will continue to represent the Towns of Franklin and Natick together in the Senate, and I look forward to our ongoing partnership in serving these communities. It is an honor to represent the 2nd Middlesex and Norfolk district and serve on behalf of my constituents. Your needs and priorities are always foremost in my mind. This session, I will continue my bipartisan collaboration with my colleagues at the State House, our partners at the local level, and residents in the area to support and strengthen our vibrant and diverse region. Spilka Files Comprehensive Job Creation Bill Senator Spilka and members of the Jobs Creation Commission listen to public testimony at the regional hearing in Framingham Over the past two years, I have served as chair of the Jobs Creation Commission, which was charged with making an investigation and study of the economy in order to create and maintain quality jobs in the Commonwealth. To address this mission, we convened monthly meetings, conducted a regional hearing tour, and formed three subcommittees. In October, we released our final report, which outlined our suggestions on how to mitigate barriers to job creation, leverage the strengths of the Massachusetts economy, and better align the needs of employers with the available workforce. Earlier this month, I filed  An Act to Create and Maintain Jobs in the Commonwealth to address many of the issues brought to light by businesses and workers during the public hearings and meetings of the Jobs Creation Commission. The bill also incorporates a number of the recommendations from our final report. Highlights of it include: Requiring state agencies to work together to ensure the state's education system is preparing students with the knowledge and skills necessary for employment; Encouraging state government when making purchases to first look to those goods and services produced in Massachusetts; Establishing a new supported internship program, the Massachusetts Work Ready Program, to give unemployed workers the on-the-job training and skills required for current job openings; Helping veterans identify the skills they have acquired from military service and translate them to use in civilian employment; Creating a basic technology skills training program within each of the state's One-Stop Career Centers to help all workers seeking employment improve or update the technology skills they need to participate in the workforce; and Requiring the Office of Labor and Workforce Development to work with local One-Stop Career Centers to create and maintain a database of all available positions in a region to ensure training offered at the centers are aligned with the skills needed for current job openings. First Meeting of the MetroWest Legislative Caucus As co-chairs of the MetroWest Legislative Caucus, Representative John Fernandes and I convened the first caucus meeting of the new year and new session. Our meeting proved to be a great opportunity for the MetroWest delegation to discuss legislation and initiatives important to the area, including transportation infrastructure, economic development, local and school aid, and legislation for specific communities in our region. I look forward to continuing to serve as co-chair of the Caucus and working with members of the delegation on the needs and priorities of our region. Bringing Equity and Fairness to the Massachusetts Transportation System Senator Spilka speaks at a recent transportation funding announcement in Framingham (Background L to R: Rep. Chris Walsh, 495/MetroWest Partnership Executive Director Paul Matthews, MetroWest Chamber of Commerce President Bonnie Biocchi, and Rep. Tom Sannicandro) Investment in the state's transportation and infrastructure systems is crucial to ensure a high quality of life for residents and to promote economic vitality in cities and towns across the Commonwealth. As in years past, I have filed legislation to bring equity and fairness to the transportation system while supporting the specific needs and priorities of the MetroWest region. Below are some highlights of the legislation I've filed: Eliminating the tolls on the Massachusetts Turnpike, which have placed an unfair financial burden on the commuters and residents of MetroWest; Encouraging recognition that transportation infrastructure investments are an important economic development activity and calling for a study of the economic impact transportation and infrastructure projects have throughout the Commonwealth to encourage investment in key projects that will promote economic growth and job creation; and Requiring the MBTA and the state's Regional Transit Authorities to have a transit rider on their advisory boards, giving commuters a seat at the table and increasing public input into transit decisions. Click here to read a recent article in the MetroWest Daily News about my proposals regarding the tolls. Visit www.karenspilka.com for more information about these and additional transportation-related bills I have filed this session. Supporting and Protecting Consumers and Residents in the Commonwealth Senator Spilka discusses The Electronic Privacy Act with her colleagues (L to R: Senator Harriette Chandler, Rep. Jason Lewis, Rep. Jonathan Hecht, Rep. Marty Walz, and Sen. Spilka) To ensure a strong, stable future for the Commonwealth, we must work to protect consumers and our most vulnerable residents. This has always been and continues to be one of my top priorities. This session, I have filed a number of bills to protect residents, including: The Electronic Privacy Act - This bill requires law enforcement to obtain a warrant to access personal electronic information from telephone and internet service providers, including details of a person's telephone use, contacts, location, emails, and other communication. This bill will help bring current Massachusetts law and practices governing search warrants into the digital age. An Act to Protect the Commonwealth's Residents from Identity Theft - This bill provides additional protections to social security numbers, gives law enforcement new tools to combat identity theft, encourages officials to collaborate and receive training in identity theft crimes, and criminalizes specific tactics identity thieves use. An Act Relative to Domestic Violence by Repeat Offenders - I have filed this bill with Middlesex District Attorney Gerald Leone to create a new aggravated assault and battery charge for repeat offenders where the victim is a household or family member and the defendant has been previously convicted of certain violent crimes. This bill also amends existing laws to allow no contact orders to be issued as conditions of bail. This legislation improves the state's ability to properly serve victims of domestic violence and to ensure that victims of repeat, violent domestic batterers are protected. An Act to Establish a Foreclosure Mediation Program - Last year, the legislature passed the foreclosure prevention bill I filed with Attorney General Martha Coakley. The law now provides provides new protections to struggling homeowners, prevents unnecessary foreclosures, and helps to stabilize the housing market and overall economy. This new bill encourages mediation between borrowers and lenders prior to foreclosure proceedings to work out renegotiated loan terms through a neutral third party, allowing homeowners and banks to meet face to face to try and facilitate the best solution possible. I am proud of all that we have been able to accomplish these past few years to support and protect our residents but I know that our work is far from done. I look forward to working with my colleagues to address the needs and priorities of our constituents, including our most vulnerable, and to build upon our recent achievements. Join me on Facebook      Send me an email

Office of Karen Spilka | Office of State Senator Karen E. Spilka, Room 511-C, State House | Boston, MA 02133

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5th Annual Spin-a-thon

Team Fitness is hosting this 5th Annual Spin-a-thon to benefit Best Buddies!

Saturday, Feb 23 from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM - get up early to ride!

Spin-a-thon, for Best Buddies at Team Fitness

Team Fitness is located in the Franklin Village Plaza  http://teamfitnessfranklin.com/

In the News: happy hours, Visitors Bureau

State report: Happy Hours should stay banned

by Staff reports

It doesn’t appear that the Happy Hour will be making a comeback any time soon.

MetroWest Visitors Bureau celebrates first anniversary

by Sara Mulkeen/Daily News Staff

Nearly 200 local business and nonprofit leaders gathered Thursday to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the MetroWest Tourism and Visitors Bureau – an organization created to help attract travelers to the 19 municipalities that comprise MetroWest.

Annual Report 2012: Veterans' Services

The Veterans’ Services Officer’s job is to council, advise and assist Veterans and their dependents in whatever way he can. Duties encompass, but are not limited to dispensing state-sponsored Veterans Benefits under M.G.L. Chapter 115, and assisting Veterans and their dependents or survivors in obtaining Federal Benefits or entitlements for which they may be eligible.

The current Veteran population in Franklin is 1343. Of this total, 899 are seniors over 60.

Veteran Appointments FY 2012

Under 60 135
Over 60 210
Veteran’s widows over 60 64
Total 409

Feb 2011, Statues at Franklin Senior Center

Mass. Veterans Benefits vary according to need and income. They have been described as “Benefit of last resort”, because the Veteran/Widow can have no more than $1,600 in assets (savings, checking amount, etc.). Amount of Benefits varies, but it can add an estimated $5,000 - $10,000 annually to income, since it usually includes payments of health insurance and other medical costs.

In Fiscal Year 2011, there were 33 Franklin residents who received Mass. General Law chapter 115 Veteran’s benefits; 16 of these were veterans’ widows. Monthly payments ranged from $130 – 995, and included reimbursement of all medical costs for health insurance and prescription copays. This is a significant benefit to those eligible in maintaining an adequate lifestyle. The Town of Franklin is reimbursed 75% by the state for the cost of this program.

Applications for VA benefits continued to increase. Benefits requested included; service-connected disability compensation (a significant number of these applications were from Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange, who now suffer from various illnesses related to this exposure), widows pensions, burial benefits, aid and attendance for wartime veterans and their widows, who require assistance with activities or daily living, such as, bathing and dressing. This benefit can provide a VA payment of up to $1,704 monthly to be used for personal care services. All VA claims must be submitted on designated forms. This can be done through my office. Average time for decision on claim is 6 months.

It is significant to note that the Dept. of Defense predicts that 30% of Iraq/Afghanistan veterans will suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and/or Traumatic Brain Injuries. This office has already filed 6 VA claims related to these conditions for Franklin’s veterans who served in these areas.

Veterans’ Services would like to thank these True Friends of Veterans’.

• The Franklin Garden Club for the care and maintenance of the Veterans’ Memorial site on the Franklin common.
• Franklin Lodge of Elks 2135 for their continued sponsorship of the Veterans’ Memorial Day breakfast, the Free Fuel Program for needy veterans and their widows, and all their good work on behalf of our veterans, especially those who are hospitalized.
• Franklin VFW Post 3402, always ready to assist Franklin Veterans Services with whatever the need, especially placement of the Memorial Day flags on the graves of our deceased veterans, and their annual visit to the Franklin Nursing Home on 12/13/10 to remember residents, who are veterans, at Christmas.
• The Friends of Franklin Elders for their ongoing sponsorship of the Veteran’s Day breakfast at the Senior Center. 
• Veterans Services Volunteer Assistant, Dale L. Kurtz, for his extensive efforts on behalf of this office.
• Outreach volunteer, John Hogan, for his extensive work with Fuel Assistance applications, and other Senior Benefit Programs.

Respectfully Submitted,

Bob Fahey,
Veterans’ Service Officer


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Additional information on the Police Dept can be found on the Franklin webpage
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Veterans/index

Published by the Town Clerk, this comes from the 2012 Annual Report
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/annual/

Blood Drive at Team Fitness

Team Fitness is holding a Blood Drive on Saturday, Feb 2 with special offers for new members





Team Fitness is located in the Franklin Village Plaza  http://teamfitnessfranklin.com/

In the News: PSAT scores, RT 9, not guilty

Franklin puts greater focus placed on PSAT data

by Matt Tota/Daily News staff

High school officials have started poring over PSAT results to learn how to better prepare students for college, a measured shift from working chiefly with MCAS data.

$12M expansion of Rte. 9 part of transportation plan

by Jeff Malachowski/Daily News staff

With Rte. 9 commuters accustomed to backups and bottlenecks near I-495, state Transportation Secretary Richard Davey announced Wednesday the state will spend $12 million to widen a section of Rte. 9.

Ex-chemist pleads not guilty to obstruction in drug lab scandal

by Denise Lavoie/AP Legal Affairs Writer

A former Massachusetts chemist accused of faking test results at a state drug lab pleaded not guilty Wednesday to six counts of obstruction of justice in a scandal that could jeopardize thousands of drug cases.