Wednesday, November 5, 2014
Live reporting - Closing
K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
docks finally in at DelCarte
tax rate hearing coming at the next meeting
Lincoln St almost complete
Main St busy this week
wouldn't be in the major downtown section until the middle of the 2015 summer
Populatic paving delayed by Purchasing Director transition
Veterans Day on Tuesday
horse trough being stored in DPW during the construction
will be stored inside
new councilors don't take office until the second meeting of November
L. OLD BUSINESS
deed speaks to the Historical Commission for their determination
there are some restrictions on future use, i.e. need to maintain the pulpit
M. NEW BUSINESS
Tree situation, tree on private property
unfortunately we don't take action when it is private property
MA DOT was contacted and awaiting response
Bissanti
I don't feel we are going to open the flood gates with other home owners
we can do it for everyone
I do see this as a public safety issue
Cerel it is a private tree but it is his responsibility
Bob Dellorco
Can you let me know so I can escalate?
Tedesco
it didn't look close but they were on my yard to do that before
that tree is closer to the road than all the other trees
it was okay to come on my yard to cut the other trees
bond sale? can we get to that?
it is on the next agenda?
what do other towns do for a communication director?
to have someone do that
Mr Sherlock does a good job helping
house numbers are an issue, some missing and it delays the response
schools do not have numbers on the classrooms
Nutting - the schools are being worked, with each principal
the bylaw is there and a public education campaign maybe with the tax bills
N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Pfeffer - thansk to the FireFighters for building the ramp
repainted the Franklin rocks at the downtown train station
Basil LeBlanc, 89 year veteran, received 7 medals for service during WWII
Feldman
several contracts signed, up to the second tier of pricing
up to seventy residents have had visits to explore solar
O. EXECUTIVE SESSION – Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required
P. ADJOURN
motion to adjourn
passed 7-0
Live reporting: Action Items
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
Appointed Bissanti to Economic Development Council Chair
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 14-742:Changes to Chapter 185-§4. Districts Enumerated – 1st Reading
motion to move to 2nd reading, seconded, passed 8-0
2. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 14-743:Changes to Chapter 185-§20. Signs – 1st Reading
motion to move to 2nd reading, seconded, passed 8-0
3. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 14-744:Changes to Chapter 185 - §31. Site Plan and Design Review - 1st Reading
motion to move to 2nd reading, seconded, passed 8-0
4. Resolution 14-65: Acceptance of Private Road Covenant With Developer of Village At Cooks Farm
Bissanit, Mercer, Padula all recused themselves
motion to approve, seconded, passed 5-0
5. Resolution 14-66: Authorization to Grant Utility (sewer) Easement – 2/3 Vote
discussion on requirement for 6 votes, with the three recusal, 6 votes is not mathematically possible
The developer is asking for help as everything is on hold
Attny Cerel says that the prior decision should be sufficient for the Planning Board
this item will be tabled until 7:50 PM
motion to approve, seconded, passed 5-0
6. Resolution 14-67: Appropriation - NuStyle Project
amount requested $40,000
motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0
more about testing and information, than remediation
this has been a total money pit
taken years ago for $400,000 and penalties in back taxes
the EPA has it in the radar, we are now required to pay to fix it
7. Resolution 14-68: Appropriation – Senior Center Capital Project – 2/3 Vote
motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0
moves the money from the stabilization account to the operating account for the committee
amount should be $912,895 (motion to amend, passed)
8. Resolution 14-69: Appropriation – Open Space
motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0
$250,000 bought two properties, starts to replenish account in case something else comes up
9. Resolution 14-71: Appropriation – Elections Budget
$10,000 for the special election, Dec 16, 2014
motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0
the volunteers do a fantastic job
need to stagger the lunch break
used the new voting booths for the first time
saved money by buying the booths as used
picking back up the item 14-66
Attny Cerel determines that the permit should not be held up at the Planning Board
tabling the item 14-66 until Nov 19th
motion, seconded, passed 5-0
10. Resolution 14-72: Establishment of a Property Acquisition, Projects and Facilities Maintenance Stabilization Fund
motion, seconded, passed 7-0 (Padula left for the recusal and has not returned)
opening a new stabilization account to save for future uses
Pfeffer has a problem with the 'maintenance' aspects of this
Nutting - the Council has control of what goes into and out of this account
the Council has floated 8 million in bonds for buildings
11. Resolution 14-73: Appropriation - Property Acquisition, Projects and Facilities Maintenance Stabilization Fund - 2/3 Vote
motion, seconded, passed 7-0
amount requested $250,000
12. Resolution 14-74: Appropriation – Wage Settlement
motion, seconded, passed 7-0
amount requested $215,000 in anticipation of arbitration settlement
13. Resolution 14-75: Amendment of FY 2015 Budget
balance adjustments to the existing budget for the FY 2015 year
Purchaser left, new person in at higher salary
legal expenses for the Fire Dept negotiations
Recreation needing more part-time help, will be covered by fees but need the up front coverage
brings the budget up to date
motion, seconded, passed 7-0
Live reporting - Presentations
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
Executive Director since July
reviewing the foundations and services that the Pantry provides
volunteers are being trained, sustain operation
Thanks to Steve Sherlock who has been the Chair of the Food Pantry
Chris Feeley will be assuming that role
over 600 families use the services of the Food Pantry
some will always use our services
some are transitional, how to best help them
physical access. mobile pantry three Mondays a month
Winter St, Central Park Terrace, Senior Center
Clients coming weekly for produce and bread
separate room aranged to handle this without interferring with the normal monthly flow
shifting flow to empowerment
learning how to teach folks to fish, rather than just providing fish
we are creating a healthy community
more fruits and vegetables
Food Pantry Raffle
Turkey Trot on Thanskgiving morning
shampoo, cereal, peanut butter
help us keep shifting the culture, we are a centralized resource to connect all the resources
Traveled with a group from the Hockomock YMCA to Washington, DC
Healthy Futures market, fresh produce on Tuesday's
thanks to his staff, all veterans, been with the Town for 12-16 years
Treasurer and Collector are two separate positions
bill and collect all water/sewer trash bills
personal property bills
collect all parking ticket fines, hearing officer for parking ticket appeals
process tax liens
170 delinquent properties, down 50 from a year ago
down $150,000 from last year
on Treasurer's side, responsible for all investments
maintain a cash book using Excel, had been an actual book when he started
looking at a new software system that could merge with Munis
track all bonds and prepare annual debt budgets
there are 2 bonds that are ripe for re-funding, could save us about $430,000 in interest costs
will be coming back for approval to do that change
we are not interested in owning property, want to get the tax bills paid
periodically report to a variety of agencies payroll reports, etc.
epayable, payments to vendors via virtual credit cards
received a cash back bonus using this service
paying vendors by doing electronic funds transfers
pay all debt by wire transfers
story on WBZ news on people with back taxes
folks claiming back taxes to Worcester attempted to swindle folks from the money
there is no company that can settle the debt that any individual owes to Franklin
Q - how many employees are still getting a paper check
about 10 or so remain, all others electronic deposit
• Erin Lynch, Food Pantrywith the pantry for two years
Executive Director since July
reviewing the foundations and services that the Pantry provides
volunteers are being trained, sustain operation
Thanks to Steve Sherlock who has been the Chair of the Food Pantry
Chris Feeley will be assuming that role
over 600 families use the services of the Food Pantry
some will always use our services
some are transitional, how to best help them
physical access. mobile pantry three Mondays a month
Winter St, Central Park Terrace, Senior Center
Clients coming weekly for produce and bread
separate room aranged to handle this without interferring with the normal monthly flow
shifting flow to empowerment
learning how to teach folks to fish, rather than just providing fish
we are creating a healthy community
more fruits and vegetables
Food Pantry Raffle
Turkey Trot on Thanskgiving morning
shampoo, cereal, peanut butter
help us keep shifting the culture, we are a centralized resource to connect all the resources
Traveled with a group from the Hockomock YMCA to Washington, DC
Healthy Futures market, fresh produce on Tuesday's
• James Dacey, Treasurer Collector
thanks to his staff, all veterans, been with the Town for 12-16 years
Treasurer and Collector are two separate positions
bill and collect all water/sewer trash bills
personal property bills
collect all parking ticket fines, hearing officer for parking ticket appeals
process tax liens
170 delinquent properties, down 50 from a year ago
down $150,000 from last year
on Treasurer's side, responsible for all investments
maintain a cash book using Excel, had been an actual book when he started
looking at a new software system that could merge with Munis
track all bonds and prepare annual debt budgets
there are 2 bonds that are ripe for re-funding, could save us about $430,000 in interest costs
will be coming back for approval to do that change
we are not interested in owning property, want to get the tax bills paid
periodically report to a variety of agencies payroll reports, etc.
epayable, payments to vendors via virtual credit cards
received a cash back bonus using this service
paying vendors by doing electronic funds transfers
pay all debt by wire transfers
story on WBZ news on people with back taxes
folks claiming back taxes to Worcester attempted to swindle folks from the money
there is no company that can settle the debt that any individual owes to Franklin
Q - how many employees are still getting a paper check
about 10 or so remain, all others electronic deposit
Live reporting: Town Council - Nov 5, 2014
Present: Feldman, Padula, Mercer, Kelly, Vallee, Pfeffer, Bissanti, Williams
Absent: none
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
none
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
none
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
Frank Tedesco, 409 King St
owner of the snapped tree as posted earlier to the Franklin Matters Facebook page
leaning against two surviving trees
State had mishandled the tree markings when King St was done
Beth Simon, Claire Griffin
Ladybugs Art Project
update on the progress of the 25 ladybugs
all sold, painted and shown around town at different events
have raised enough money to do a statue to recognize Palmer Johnson
presenting a copy of the poster developed
they will also make an appearance at the Holiday Stroll
The ladybug hat was presented to Chair Bob Vallee
E. APPOINTMENTS
none
F. HEARINGS
Public Hearing 7:10 PM
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 14-742:Changes to Chapter 185 - §4. Districts Enumerated
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 14-743:Changes to Chapter 185 - §20. Signs
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 14-744:Changes to Chapter 185 - §31. Site Plan and Design Review
technical corrections to align wording in the sections
no actual change in the voting
Absent: none
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
none
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
none
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
Frank Tedesco, 409 King St
owner of the snapped tree as posted earlier to the Franklin Matters Facebook page
leaning against two surviving trees
State had mishandled the tree markings when King St was done
 |
| the tree on King St as discussed |
Beth Simon, Claire Griffin
Ladybugs Art Project
update on the progress of the 25 ladybugs
all sold, painted and shown around town at different events
have raised enough money to do a statue to recognize Palmer Johnson
presenting a copy of the poster developed
they will also make an appearance at the Holiday Stroll
The ladybug hat was presented to Chair Bob Vallee
E. APPOINTMENTS
none
F. HEARINGS
Public Hearing 7:10 PM
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 14-742:Changes to Chapter 185 - §4. Districts Enumerated
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 14-743:Changes to Chapter 185 - §20. Signs
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 14-744:Changes to Chapter 185 - §31. Site Plan and Design Review
technical corrections to align wording in the sections
no actual change in the voting
Friends of Franklin Library: Meeting Agenda for Wednesday, Nov 5, 2014
FOFL Meeting Agenda for Wednesday, November 5, 2014
Meeting time: 7PM
Meeting place: Franklin Library, Community Room
Welcome and introductions
Public Comments
Library Director
Library Board of Directors
Acceptance of minutes from last (October) meeting
Treasurer's report
Committee updates
o Membership
o Outreach – Facebook/Twitter
- Content for next newsletter
o Downtown Partnership
- Harvest Festival
- Review of October 5 event
- Holiday Stroll participation?
o Neal Sanders event held on October 7 at Alumni
o Friends Sharing with Friends networking event (MFOL) on October 25 at the Middleborough Public Library
Continuing items
o Scholarship 2015 – subcommittee
- Suggestions for a new essay question
o FoFL Bulletin board content, monthly themes
o Presenting/sponsoring programs in conjunction with other town groups
- Newcomers is interested
o Memorandum of Understanding
o By-Laws review and update – subcommittee (need volunteers)
New Items
o Fundraising 2014-2015
o Creating a read-only "minutes" book to keep on file at the library
o Supporting other town groups
- Newcomers Craft Fair November 8 at Tri-County, 9-4, Admission is $3, and they are collecting donations for the Food Pantry
- Franklin Art Association Fall Show November 15 & 16 at Tri-County. Free admission
- St Vincent DePaul Thanksgiving food drive, November 22 & 23, leave donations at St. Mary's
o Other
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| Franklin Public Library |
Newcomers Craft Fair - Nov 8th
From Terri Attinello:
For additional information on the Newcomers & Friends, you can visit their website
http://franklinnewcomers.com/
Hello!
I was wondering if you might be able help us to publicize our craft fair on your facebook page or anywhere else? In addition to collecting donations for the food pantry at the craft fair, we also donate funds in the spring to many organizations.
As the craft fair is our only fundraiser, the more successful it is, the more we will be able to donate. Last year we donated $4,500 to local charitable organizations, most based in Franklin, with the Food Pantry receiving the largest amount (based upon member voting).
I've attached a flyer that can be emailed or posted to Facebook.
Thank you for your help!
 |
| Newcomers & Friends Craft Fair |
For additional information on the Newcomers & Friends, you can visit their website
http://franklinnewcomers.com/
Franklin Art Association: "Art Exhibit: Enhanced"
The Franklin Art Association is pleased to present "Art Exhibit: Enhanced" at the Tri-County High School, 147 Pond Street, Franklin, MA on Saturday, November 15th, 12:00-8:00 pm and Sunday, November 16th, 12:00-3:00 pm
Original Fine Art, small works, scholarship raffle, refreshments
Free and opened to the public
For more information visit our web site at www.franklinart.org and www.facebook.com/FranklinArtAssoc
We are sponsored in part by the Franklin Cultural Council
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| Franklin Art Association |
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
Franklin election results - 11/4/2014
Election results
Question 5
dedicated override failed to pass N=8289 Y=3583Question 6
non binding for overturning Citizens United passed handily Y = 7778 N = 3237 |
| new handicap voter booth at the high school |
My thanks to Town Clerk Deb Pellgri and her team for preparing the results to share here
All the other candidate results can be viewed in the three page PDF file
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczd09KczlKYk9FUFE/view?usp=share_link&resourcekey=0-Zs26d1a5vsL5AliPXMd5Lw
Franklin Downtown Partnership and the Food Elves -"12 Days of Donating"
Franklin Food Elves Launch '12 Days of Donating' Campaign
The Franklin Food Elves and the Downtown Partnership will launch the "12 Days of Donating" food drive to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry at the annual Holiday Stroll on Thursday, December 4, at the 4 p.m. tree-lighting ceremony.
The charitable community service group's goal each year is to collect 1,200 pounds of food and $1,200 in 12 days to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry. The campaign will run from December 1 through December 12. Along with a food bin set up at the tree ceremony on the Dean College campus, the Elves are placing red bins at local business locations where people can drop off non-perishable food items.
If the Food Elves reach their goal and collect 1,200 pounds of food, participating businesses pledge an additional $1,200 in matching funds. Franklin Food Elves co-founders Melissa and Cameron Piana and the FDP hope that the community will support the Food Pantry by helping them reach this goal.
Over the past 4 years the organization has surpassed their original 1,200 pound goal and last year 75 elves together with Partnership businesses, collected more than 3 three tons of food donations to support the Franklin Food Pantry. The organization hopes to increase business participation this year again.
 |
| Franklin Food Pantry |
Volunteers can contact the Food Elves directly at Franklinfoodelves@yahoo.com
For more information about the Franklin Food Pantry and what items are needed, please go to their website, www.franklinfoodpantry.org/
Reminder: Franklin SEPAC fundraiser - Comedy Night
 |
| COMEDY NIGHT 2014 IS HERE |
COMEDY NIGHT 2014 IS HERE!!
SEPAC is hosting our 5th Annual Night of Comedy on November 7th at Franklin Country Club starting 6:30 p.m.
Comedy Night includes dinner buffet, silent auction, balloon raffle and a comedy show featuring comedians Ray Harrington (#1 on Amazon, #2 on Itunes), Brian Beaudoin (voted #1 comedian in RI), and Derek Furtado (2012's Last Comix Standing Winner).
Over 150 auction items as well (Red Sox tickets, signed Patriots Football, Museum of Science passes, BBC, EMS, gym memberships, supermarkets, Restaurant 3, Get in Shape for Women, WINE and wine tastings, Marriott gift card, rounds of golf...)
In the past, this event has enabled us to host monthly workshops for parents, social events for children, and a monthly support group. In addition, we have been able to assist programs, like the Franklin Fish Swim Team, Special Olympics and Best Buddies, that work with Special Needs children in Franklin.
Tickets for this event are $50 per person. Tables of ten can be purchased at a discount of $450, and will be reserved under a name of your choosing. Please contact SEPAC at franklinsepac@gmail.com to purchase tickets, go to www.franklinsepac.org to pay through Paypal. Tickets purchased on line will be available at the door on the evening of the event.
Franklin Art Association: November 2014 Newsletter
Dear Members and Friends,
I was thinking about how making art can be such a solitary activity ... When I work alone in my studio, the only company I have is my music. And it can get lonesome! That’s why community is so important. When we emerge from our creative spaces and join our artist friends to make art together, wonderful things can happen. There is something about painting with others that can bring us into a different state of mind, where ideas are flying around, group critiques can take place, creative synergies develop, and we chase away the lonesomeness of solitary work!
Whether it be a class, a workshop, or a group of friends, being in community with other artists can be exhilarating - and can provide a needed break. Well, lucky for us all, we will get to experience painting or drawing together at the next FAA meeting. Artist Bob Collins will lead us in a figure drawing/painting session with a live model (my friend Tzvetanka). Check out the details in the newsletter. Hope to see you all there - it should be lots of fun!
Warm regards,
Sue Sheridan
President
For more about the Franklin Art Association, you can visit their website
http://www.franklinart.org/
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| Franklin Art Association |
Get out to vote today
The polls open at 6:00 AM and will close at 8:00 PM tonight.
All Franklin precincts vote at the same place, the gymnasium at the new Franklin High School.
Entrance to the gym is through the community entrance shown in the picture here.
Students do not have school today and teachers have a professional development day. Parking should not be a problem.
If you haven't see the ballot question cheat sheet you can find and print it from here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/11/my-franklin-ballot-questions-cheat-sheet.html
All the posts building up to the election today can be found in this 'election collection'
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/10/november-4th-election-collection.html
All Franklin precincts vote at the same place, the gymnasium at the new Franklin High School.
Entrance to the gym is through the community entrance shown in the picture here.
Students do not have school today and teachers have a professional development day. Parking should not be a problem.
If you haven't see the ballot question cheat sheet you can find and print it from here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/11/my-franklin-ballot-questions-cheat-sheet.html
All the posts building up to the election today can be found in this 'election collection'
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/10/november-4th-election-collection.html
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| community entrance to Franklin High School |
Monday, November 3, 2014
Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Nov 5, 2014
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
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
Public Hearing 7:10 PM
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 14-742:Changes to Chapter 185-§4. Districts Enumerated
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 14-743:Changes to Chapter 185-§20. Signs
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 14-744:Changes to Chapter 185 - §31. Site Plan and Design Review
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
• Erin Lynch, Food Pantry
• James Dacey, Treasurer Collector
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 14-742:Changes to Chapter 185-§4. Districts Enumerated – 1st Reading
2. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 14-743:Changes to Chapter 185-§20. Signs – 1st Reading
3. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 14-744:Changes to Chapter 185 - §31. Site Plan and Design Review - 1st Reading
4. Resolution 14-65: Acceptance of Private Road Covenant With Developer of Village At Cooks Farm
5. Resolution 14-66: Authorization to Grant Utility (sewer) Easement – 2/3 Vote
6. Resolution 14-67: Appropriation - NuStyle Project
7. Resolution 14-68: Appropriation – Senior Center Capital Project – 2/3 Vote
8. Resolution 14-69: Appropriation – Open Space
9. Resolution 14-71: Appropriation – Elections Budget
10. Resolution 14-72: Establishment of a Property Acquisition, Projects and Facilities Maintenance Stabilization Fund
11. Resolution 14-73: Appropriation - Property Acquisition, Projects and Facilities Maintenance Stabilization Fund - 2/3 Vote
12. Resolution 14-74: Appropriation – Wage Settlement
13. Resolution 14-75: Amendment of FY 2015 Budget
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 set of documents released for this agenda can be found here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2014/110514.pdf
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| Franklin Municipal Building, 355 East Central St |
6th Annual Holiday Stroll - Dec 4th
Join the
Franklin Downtown Partnership
in making the 6th Annual Holiday Stroll a success.
This year’s event will be held on
Thursday, December 4, 2014
from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
 |
| 6th Annual Holiday Stroll |
Dozens of local businesses and organizations participated last year offering special promotions, entertainment and refreshments for the more than 1,000 Franklin area residents who “strolled” through downtown.
We need you to think about how your business/organization will participate to make this year’s event even better.
Please send us the following information by Friday, November 7, 2014:
Please send us the following information by Friday, November 7, 2014:
Name of business/organization:Contact person:Best number to reach contact person:Contact person’s e-mail:What your business/organization would like to do (i.e. special promotion/special event):
We look forward to your participation!
Gregg Chalk, Event Co-Chair
Roberta Trahan, Event Co-Chair
Event Invitation: FPAC's Children's Series at THE BLACK BOX!
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