Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Sep 25, 2013

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
July 17, 2013; August 7, 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
Finance Committee - William Dowd
Disability Commission - Mark R Thompson

F. HEARINGS
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-719: Changes to Chapter 185. Attachment 9. Schedule of Lot, Area, Frontage, Yard and Height Requirements- 7:10 PM
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-720: Changes to Chapter 185-4. Districts Enumerated – 7:10 PM
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-721: Changes to Chapter 185-5. Zoning Map- 7:10 PM
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-722: Changes to Chapter 185-50. Residential VII Zoning District – 7:10 PM
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-723: Changes to Chapter 185. Use Regulations Schedule, Parts I through Parts VII – 7:10 PM

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
New All Alcoholic Beverages Restaurant License:
Artistry Franklin

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
Master Plan

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 13-69: Authorization for Intermunicipal Agreement with Town of Bellingham for Shared In-Home Respite Services
2. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-719: Changes to Chapter 185. Attachment 9. Schedule of Lot, Area, Frontage, Yard and Height Requirements – 1st Reading
3. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-720: Changes to Chapter 185-4. Districts Enumerated – 1st Reading
4. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-721: Changes to Chapter 185-5. Zoning Map – 1st Reading
5. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-722: Changes to Chapter 185-50. Residential VII Zoning District – 1st Reading
6. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-723: Changes to Chapter 185. Use Regulations Schedule, Parts I through Parts VII – 1st Reading
7. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-718: Changes 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 – Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required

P. ADJOURN

The documents associated with agenda can be found on the Franklin webpage
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2013/092513.pdf

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Sep 24, 2013

Vision Statement

The Franklin Public Schools will foster within its students the knowledge and skills to find and achieve satisfaction in life as productive global citizens.

AGENDA

"The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law."

1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the September 10, 2013 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Mrs. McIntyre
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence: none

2. Guests/Presentations
a. Educational Assistant Contract Ratification
b. MCAS Overview – M. Sabolinski; J. Edwards
c. PARCC Assessment – M. Sabolinski; J. Edwards

3. Discussion Only Items
FHS Update – M. Sabolinski
Policy: First Reading

• FF - Naming Facilities

4. Action Items
a. I recommend acceptance of a check for $835.56 from Target for Franklin High School.
b. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,000.00 from Franklin Lifesavers for supplemental services for school health professionals.
c. I recommend acceptance of a check for $839.11 from Stop & Shop A+ School Rewards for the Franklin High School.
d. I recommend approval of the recurring field trip request of HMMS Chorus students to travel to NY City for Les Miserables on May 10, 2014 as detailed.
e. I recommend approval of the contract ratification for the Educational Assistants for 2013-2014 and 2014-2017 as detailed.
f. I recommend moving “Policy FF – Naming Facilities” to a second reading at the next meeting.
g. I recommend acceptance of the donation of 20 copies of Twerp from Random House for Horace Mann students.

5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report
School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
School Committee Liaison Reports

6. New Business
To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.

7. Executive Session
Contractual Negotiations

8. Adjourn

Fertile ground

Yes, Franklin was a good farming community. Evidence of this exists today even along Forest St where a corn stalk is growing along the curb.

corn stalk on Forest St

another view

another view - corn stalk on Forest St

Library: Do Not Disturb

If you want some privacy or quiet, a sign to hang on the door of the room you want to use would be a good thing to have. The Library craft session on Monday will help you make a 'Do Not Disturb' sign.

Do Not Disturb

This was re-posted from the Library website
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2013/09/krafty-monday-do-not-disturb.html

A walk through the Sculpture Park

Last Sunday, I took a walk through the developing sculpture park to see the new paving that has been recently put into place.

paving smooths the approach to the bridge

bridge

head wall where bath house use to be at pool

long walk along the inside

into the corner, trees added too

the turn around point in the far corner

approaching the stream entrance

smooth approach over the dam

final walk to complete the route back to the bridge

Prior visits to the Sculpture Park recorded these photos and video
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/09/sculpture-park-update.html

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/future-sculpture-park-video.html

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/04/franklin-sculpture-park-imagine-future.html

Roy, Spilka, Warren tour Franklin's EMC plant

From Senator Spilka's office:

State Senator Karen Spilka (D-Ashland), State Representative Jeff Roy (D-Franklin) and U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren toured the EMC Corporation manufacturing plant in Franklin this afternoon. The legislators met with executives to discuss EMC’s latest innovations in data storage and security, followed by a tour of the plant. Senator Warren then addressed employees in a town hall style discussion. 

“EMC showcases the leadership, innovation and success of Massachusetts manufacturing and technology,” said Senator Spilka. “I am thrilled that we were able to tour the plant with Senator Warren today. This visit really underscores the importance of continued public support for research and development, manufacturing and workforce development initiatives – here in the Commonwealth and nationally.” 

Joe Tucci, Chairman and CEO of EMC Corporation, State Senator Karen Spilka (D-Ashland), U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren, and State Representative Jeffrey Roy (D-Franklin) at EMC’s manufacturing plant in Franklin, MA

The legislators had the opportunity to view EMC Corporation’s data storage products in various stages of the manufacturing and quality-testing process and to discuss the company’s workforce development, education and community involvement priorities. 

“EMC consistently shows a strong commitment to workforce training and educational partnerships. These manufacturing and technology jobs are the kinds of jobs that we, as legislators, should be creating and supporting. I am so pleased we were able to have this meeting and see some important examples of innovative Massachusetts manufacturing firsthand,” Spilka said.

Reminder: 13th Annual High School Fair - Oct 3rd

The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School, located in the St. Mary’s school building at 201 Main Street, will host its 13th annual High School Fair night on Thursday, October 3rd, from 7-8:30 PM in the BFCCPS Dr. Kevin O’Malley auditorium.

Open to the public, 8th grade students both from BFCCPS and from other surrounding towns are invited to attend; admittance only with parent or guardian. The fair showcases private and independent high schools in the Metrowest area, Boston, Worcester, and northern Rhode Island. Students are invited to browse, pick up brochures and applications, ask about fall open house dates and speak directly with representatives and current students of the schools in attendance.

Parking is available in the school parking lot off Pleasant Street, just north of Main Street in Franklin.

More about Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School can be found on their webpage
http://bfccps.org/

In the News: EMC tour, marathon route

Warren praises innovation on tour of EMC in Franklin

In her first visit to the Milford area since her campaign, US Sen. Elizabeth Warren, got a firsthand look at the state’s innovation economy at work, touring the EMC Corp. facility here.

Daffodils to be planted along Marathon route

Local businesses and homeowners along the Boston Marathon route, and area residents, are invited to take part in "Marathon Daffodils,'' a project designed to help preserve the "Boston Strong'' theme next spring.

Franklin's election lineup set

The campaigns will commence now that the candidates for the various positions for election this November 5th have been confirmed. Franklin's Town Clerk released the following listing of candidates whose paperwork had been certified so they would be on the ballot. This is a listing of the candidates in no particular order. The order on the ballot will be determined later.

Franklin's Municipal Building - 355 West Central St

• There are ten candidates for nine Town Council positions (Updated: miscounted to say 11; at one time there was 11 but only 10 returned papers to be validated)

Brett S. Feldman

Glenn F. Jones

Thomas D. Mercer

Andrew M. Bissanti

Judith Pond Pfeffer

Matthew T. Kelly

Stephen T. Williams

Peter E. Padula

Robert R. Vallee

Charles F. Delfino, Jr.

• There are seven candidates for the seven School Committee positions

John S. Jewell PhD

Cynthia J.Douglas

Roberta D. Trahan

Paula T. Mullen

Susan T. Rohrbach

Kevin P. O'Malley

Trevor A. Clement

• There are two candidates for the one Board of Assessors position for a four year term

Christopher K. Feeley

Daniel B. Ballinger

• There is one candidate for the one Board of Assessors position for a two year term

John H. Neas

• There is one candidate for the one Board of Health position for a four year term

Bruce J. Hunchard

• There are two candidates for the one Constable position for a two year term

Rancourt  LaRosa

Daniel S. McCahill

• There are four three candidates for the two Planning Board positions for a four year term

Joseph F. Halligan

Anthony D. Padula

Navdeep S. Arora

The last day to register to vote on November 5th is Weds Oct 16th.

The complete timeline for this election can be found here

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/07/franklins-local-election-timeline.html

"a change of pace from the more timeworn fundraisers"

The 3rd Annual Fight Hunger Paintball Challenge will be held on Saturday. Town Councilor Glenn Jones has organized the event and additional details are available in this posting by the Milford Daily News.

From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Fox 4, 159 Milford St., will donate $5 from every admission fee to the Franklin Food Pantry. Paintballers that day are also encouraged to bring non-perishable items and dry goods, along with their rifles and extra layers of clothing. 

"It’s a unique opportunity to raise awareness and necessary funds for the pantry," said organizer Glenn Jones, who started paintballing at 17. 

Jones acknowledged that a place where people run and barrel roll through the woods, while avoiding being hit by tiny paint-filled orbs, is an unusual venue for a benefit event.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1868840906/Annual-Paintball-Challenge-to-benefit-food-pantry-is-Saturday-in-Franklin#ixzz2fQLXqNij

For more information about the Food Pantry you can visit and donate securely online at
http://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/

MassBudget: New census data for Massachusetts - income up slightly, poverty unchanged

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. New Data for Massachusetts: Median Income Up Slightly, Poverty Unchanged  The Massachusetts median income grew slightly between 2011 and 2012, while nationwide median income was basically unchanged, according to new data released today by the Census Bureau. Even with the slight increase in Massachusetts, however, our median income remains 5.4 percent below its pre-recession level. Our factsheet, New Census Data on Income, Poverty, Health, and Child Well-Being, summarizes the latest information across each of these areas: Poverty: There was no improvement in the statewide poverty level, which has increased substantially since 2007. Child Poverty: More than 1 in 7 children currently live below the poverty line. Health Coverage: Massachusetts continues to have the highest rate of health insurance coverage--for children and for the population as a whole Read NEW CENSUS DATA ON INCOME, POVERTY, HEALTH, AND CHILD WELL-BEING 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

Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center | 15 Court Square | Suite 700 | Boston | MA | 02108

Good News from Franklin Federated Church

Hi Steve -

I thought you might be interested in including a piece in Franklin Matters about the new bench in front of Franklin Federated Church. There is an interesting story behind it.
 

Franklin Federated Church - Sidney Maxwell bench

Early in the year, the church lost a beloved member Sidney Maxwell.  Sidney was very wll known in the church for his calling to care for the environment, and after his death, The Rev. Charley Eastman challenged each member of the congregation to find "one substantive way to give health to the Earth in Sidney's honor."

A member of the church, Deb Colella, took him up on that and decided to sign the church up for the Trex Plastic Bag Recycling Challenge.The goal was for the church to collect more than 30,000 plastic bags for recycling in a six-month period from Feb. 15 to Aug. 15. This included grocery bags, dry cleaning bags, newspaper sleeves, packaging film,, etc. The idea was not to encourage church members to use plastic, but rather to show how much of it comes through our lives and how important it is to recycle it. 

Church members and friends brought the bags to worship each week, and delivered them to Colella, who with the help of family and friends counted and then recycle them all. The Sunday School children got involved counting them (and sometimes popping bubble wrap, much to their delight).The church beat its goal by one month, collecting over 30,000 bags by mid-July. 

Trex awarded the church the composite bench (made partially from recycled plastic) which was recently installed on the lawn in front of the church. 

I'm attaching a photo of the bench, although you may want to take a better one yourself when you are out and about.

Tiffany Vail Miller
Communication Coordinator
Franklin Federated Church

In the News: Joey Kramer, RMV Milford, mountain lion

Aerosmith drummer Joey Kramer stops in Franklin

Aerosmith drummer Joey Kramer stopped at the Big Y Wednesday in Franklin to promote his organic coffee bean company called Rockin' & Roastin'.

Legislators ask RMV head to save Milford branch

In an effort to keep open the Milford branch, state Sen. Richard Moore and state Rep. John Fernandes met with the head of the Registry of Motor Vehicles last week to raise their concerns about the potential closure.

Caller reports seeing a mountain lion on I-495

A woman reported seeing a mountain lion on the median of I-495 in Milford just north of Exit 20 today a little after 1 p.m.

Franklin - Open Committee/Board Positions

The following Boards/Committees are looking for members:

Conservation Commission - Kathy Celorier - 508-520-4929

Franklin Cultural Council - Claire Griffin - 508-520-8857

Library Board of Directors - Felicia Oti - 508-520-4940

Franklin Housing Trust Fund - Maxine Kinhart - 508-553-4886

Public Land Use Committee - Beth Dahlstrom - 508-553-4852

If you are interested in serving on the committee, please complete the attached form and return to the Town Administrator's Office.

http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_News/01B2AF2D-000F8513.0/TOWN%20OF%20FRANKLIN%20VOLUNTEER%20FORM.pdf

Annual "Fight Hunger" Paintball Challenge 2013

Where: FOX 4 Paintball Field - 159 Milford Street, Upton, MA 01568

Email: Dave Painter (dave@fox4paintball.com)

Phone: 508-529-FOX4 (3694)

When: Saturday, September, 21^st 2013

Time: 9:00am to 4:00pm

RAIN OR SHINE!

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!!

A raffle for a Paintball rifle

A portion of the admission price will be donated to the Franklin Food Pantry.

We will be taking contributions of Non-Perishable items and Dry Goods the day of the event.

Donations can also be made directly to the drop off box at:

Franklin Food Pantry
43 West Central Street
P.O. Box 116
Franklin, MA 02038-0116
Telephone: 508-528-3115