MassBudget: Federal funding at risk for state programs relied on by Massachusetts residents

1-in-4 state dollars from federal funding

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. Federal funding at risk for state programs relied on by Massachusetts residents The state and federal governments operate together to support the important work of expanding opportunity and ensuring the well-being of the residents of the Commonwealth. A number of proposals expected to be debated by Congress in the coming months threaten to destabilize this partnership. MassBudget's new report examines the major federal funding sources that the state uses to provide access to affordable health care, help children thrive, assist low-income families, and care for veterans. In addition to describing the sources of federal funding, the report examines the policy changes Congress is likely to consider that could threaten this funding and the services the funding supports. This fiscal year, one of every four dollars that supports the state's budget comes from the federal government - close to $11 billion in federal funds. The report describes how over 30 state agencies and numerous other state programs rely on federal funding, and details a number of significant threats from potential Congressional actions. Read the entire MassBudget report [here]. 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

Sent by nberger@massbudget.org in collaboration with Try it free today

MBTA: Commuter Rail schedule reminder for Monday, President's Day

The Commuter Rail will operate on a Saturday schedule for Presidents' Day, Monday, February 20, 2017.

Please note there is no service on the Stoughton Line or to TF Green/Wickford Junction on the Saturday schedule.

Last updated: Feb 16 2017 11:56 AM

Click here for more information: http://www.mbta.com/events/

Franklin Dean Station before the snow

In the News: students to Carnegie Hall; dam safety in MA

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Carnegie Hall. 

Just the name of the exalted performance hall brings to mind excellence in music - a place that has echoed with the sounds coaxed into existence by great musicians since 1891, including such legends as Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Vladimir Horowitz, Gustav Mahler, Sergei Rachmaninoff, and Isaac Stern, to name but a few. 

Three student musicians from area towns will join that group this weekend. 

Meghan Laurence, 12, of Mendon, Prem Pendkar, 12, of Franklin, and Timothy Reda, 10, of Millis, earned the highest scores in Royal Conservatory Music Development Program (RCMDP) assessment sessions, with scores of 90 or higher for their specific instrument and level of study."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170216/carnegie-bound-music-students-to-perform-in-nyc

"While a breach in an emergency spillway on the nation's largest dam has prompted more than 100,000 northern California residents to flee their homes, Massachusetts officials say they've been taking major steps over the past decade to reduce the risk of a catastrophic dam break in the Bay State. 

"The Department of Conservation and Recreation's Office of Dam Safety works closely with key stakeholders, such as state and federal agencies, municipalities, and private entities, to protect the public's safety," DCR spokesman Troy Wall said in an email this week. "The Department will continue to make important investments to the agency's dam infrastructure, monitor dams throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and assist dam owners to ensure statutory and regulatory obligations are met." 

Over the past decade, the state DCR, which declined to make a dam safety official available for an interview, has invested more than $20 million in dam repairs and improvements."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170216/california-crisis-brings-attention-to-massachusetts-dams

the spillway at one of the two dams rebuilt at DelCarte with some of the MA funding referenced in the article

Franklin's 239th Birthday Party - March 5

The Franklin Historical Museum will celebrate our Town’s 239th Birthday on Sunday March 5th in the museum library at 1:00PM. All are invited to visit the museum and share in the celebration.

Franklin’s rich history began with the establishment of the official town charter on March 2, 1778. The original founding fathers, with such names as Pond, Failes, Fisher, Metcalf, Hawes, Whiting, Partridge, Clark and Darling, to name a few, originally intended to name our town Exeter. Upon hearing of the exciting news that was just hitting the shores of our young country, these men scratched out the name Exeter and instead applied to establish the town of Franklin. This gesture was to honor Diplomat Benjamin Franklin who had just successfully negotiated a treaty with France as an ally against Great Britain during the Revolutionary War.

So we celebrate the name, the man and our town each year, reminding ourselves of our place in history. To help celebrate, we invite all residents who share their March 2nd birthday with the town to join us. You will be recognized for your shared birthday and your own place in history. All residents are invited to join us for cake and coffee on Sunday the 5th at 1:00PM.

The museum is located at 80 West Central Street and is wheelchair accessible.

Visit the Historical Museum online  http://franklinhistoricalmuseum.org/
 

Franklin Historical Museum

Madalene Village documents for ZBA Meeting - 2/16/17

The listing of waivers requested

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0wjbnXDBhczaGdRRGpiS0NkWXFSRG1IV3ZYMnA0NG8yMlJj


Letter from the Developer

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0wjbnXDBhczTWNCb2xaMTR3VnpJbjU5WmltOE81NGg5bmVn


ZBA Consultants assessment of project and issues to be addressed

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0wjbnXDBhczTVdsLVFpbHg3N0xSM0FVT29aRUxEWUdNRjBv

the Spruce Pond Stream is being proposed to be relocated as part of the development

Both FHS hockey team drop matches on Wednesday

Boys Hockey = Franklin, 1 @ Malden Catholic, 4 – Final

Girls Hockey = Franklin, 1 @ Ursuline, 7 – Final

https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-021517/

FHS Panthers

via the Twitterverse

Franklin 1 Malden Catholic 4 #nohelpfromstripes @FHSSports @MassHSHockey @MyHockeyLive @In_The_Slot @HockomockSports @MetroWestSports

— Coach Spillane (@FHS_PuckCoach) February 16, 2017

@MCathletics1's Albert scores with a second left in the 2nd for a 2-1 lead over @FHS_Puck Watch live at https://t.co/0e13H23fYk @In_The_Slot pic.twitter.com/XEXF5uO24U

— seriovideo.com (@seriovideo) February 16, 2017

After 1P @FHS_Puck up 1-0 at @MCathletics1 - Watch live at https://t.co/0e13H23fYk @In_The_Slot @BostonHeraldHS @MyHockeyLive @MassHSHockey pic.twitter.com/7pLa7UnZCj

— seriovideo.com (@seriovideo) February 15, 2017

Westborough Tournament Schedule pic.twitter.com/iU2oler9Im

— Franklin Girls Bball (@fhsgvbasketball) February 15, 2017

Circle of Friends: Celtic band RUNA March 4th

RUNA returns! View this email in your browser Celtic Band RUNA Mar 4th 8PM $20 Celtic band RUNA returns to the Circle of Friends Coffeehouse on Saturday, March 4th, at 8PM.  Quickly gaining recognition as one of Irish music's new "supergroups," RUNA has been enchanting audiences by pushing the boundaries of Irish folk music into the Americana and roots music formats since their formation in 2008. Interweaving the haunting melodies and exuberant tunes of Ireland and Scotland with the lush harmonies and intoxicating rhythms of jazz, bluegrass, flamenco and blues, they offer a thrilling and redefining take on traditional music. The group has been honored internationally, winning Top Group and Top Traditional Group in the Irish Music Awards and four Independent Music Awards including Best Live Album, Best World/Traditional Song and Best Bluegrass Song. "Timeless and flawless…" – Jim Allford, PA Music Scene RUNA consists of vocalist and step-dancer, Shannon Lambert-Ryan of Philadelphia, Dublin-born guitarist, Fionán de Barra, Cheryl Prashker of Canada on percussion, Dave Curley of Galway on mandolin, vocals, bodhrán, and step-dancing, and Maggie White of Kentucky on the fiddle. http://www.runamusic.com/ The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse is a non-profit organization affiliated with Franklin's First Universalist Society. Concerts are presented in a smoke free and alcohol free environment at the Society's handicapped accessible Meetinghouse, 262 Chestnut St. in Franklin, and begin at 8:00 PM; doors open at 7:30 PM. Beverages and gourmet desserts will be available. Tickets for this shows are $20.  Please call (508)528-2541 or visit http://www.circlefolk.org/ to purchase tickets or for more information. Upcoming Shows Mar 18      The Boxcar Lilies Apr 1         Brother Sun Apr 22       Livingston Taylor May 6        Catie Curtis

Circle of Friends Coffeehouse · First Universalist Society · 262 Chestnut St · Franklin, MA 02038 · USA

"We're not a water ban town, we're a conservation town"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"A provision that would add private well owners to the town's outside water bans elicited discussion at a Wednesday night Town Council meeting. 

The matter was raised by Department of Public Works officials after a presentation on the town's water system. Water and Sewer Superintendent Laurie Ruszala said the bylaw would only take effect during a full water ban. 

DPW Director Robert "Brutus" Cantoreggi said other towns had implemented such a provision. 

"We're all in this together," he said. "We're sharing the same water supply."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170216/franklin-council-considers-adding-well-owners-to-water-bans

My notes from the Water Update section of the meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/02/live-reporting-water-update.html

The notes will be updated to include the presentation when it is made available later today.

slide showing average daily pumping (bars) versus population (line) since 2001

Live reporting: Closing

K. Town Administrator's Report	(To be provided during meeting)
L. Future Agenda Items	(To be provided during meeting if required) none
M. Council Comments	(To be provided during meeting) Paulda, thanks for the DPW great job coach Leone in the 1970"s read previously (couple of years ago) talks about what we learn from our coaches and teachers make our coaches and teachers proud Vallee - could you get him to do a presentation on water? Cantoreggi - I can reach out to him, he is retired but we'll see Jones- Safe Coalition training tonight at the Fire Station Dellorco - I went down the street at 4:30 and it was fine, it was quick and fast, it was a tough one Bissanti - I thought I was going to have to stick up for Brutus tonight, we have an archaic system and can believe the schools didn't have a 2 hour delay Pfeffer - sidewalks around Davis Thayer not done, Parmenter was done the Town needs to implement some rules for the Library and Senior Center art hanging wall systems, a garden club, etc, Art Association, need to be able to have these groups to be able to sell their items in this buildings Kelly - perhaps could have made a couple of better choices, the Council could have gotten a better update from Administration Cantoreggi - I have been doing DPW a long time, no one knew, we are more watchful, Kelly - you need to communicate with us, we need to know, I got several phones calls, I need better communication to the Council Cantoreggi - I have been here before, I get calls all day
N. Executive Session	Potential Purchase of Land at 0 Washington Street (Exercise of Town's Right of First Refusal - Discussion Only) motion to go into executive session, seconded, passed 8-0 via roll call

Live reporting: Water update

DPW Robert (Brutus) Cantoreggi
Water Superintendent Laurie Ruszala

(hopefully presentation doc to be added later)

Franklin DPW Water Presentation from Franklin Matters

You can also find the copy on the Town of Franklin webpage
http://www.franklinma.gov/public-works/news/town-council-presentation-water-system-2152017


cost estimate to replace Beaver St Connector would be about $10-20M

every gallon we don't send to the Charles River treatment plant we save money on

challenging the MS4 permits with a consortium of communities

reconstruction of retention ponds; for example, Lockewood Dr

DPW built the retention basis on Lockewood

permit requires less than 65 gal/person per day

since 2001 fixed 750 leaks to water system

when the ban went into effect, for the most part people did obey and our pumping dropped

photo to be added of the raw water before treatment is astounding

$6M for a new treatment plant for wells 3 and 6 coming down the road (soon)
wells are close to each other so they can be pumped together and use one treatment plant for both

Populatic St has a site that hasn't been fully approved, we are not asking for more water, we are asking for flexibility to pull from other areas within the Town

3 and 6 are registered wells and pre-date the permitting process

permitted for 3.45 reduced to 3.14 MGD

received a number of grants, right behind the City of Worcester which is amazing

Pfeffer - How soon do we need the treatment plant?
Cantoreggi - soon, but not tomorrow, working on the numbers, 2-3 years to be online
Nutting - need to fund within 12-18 months

Padula - do we get any recapture? what is infiltration?
Cantoreggi - Charles River not capable of sending the water back to us. We can show through sewer and water conservation what we are doing but they can't show the improvements as it goes into the Charles

Jones - thanks for bringing this forward, how has our conditions to improve?
Ruszala - no, it takes time for the water to get into the ground

Jones - I think we need to get the treatment plant underway
Ruszala - we are getting better readings with the new meters, old readers fail and read low, folks only call when the meter reads high

Jones - what is your opinion on current capacity?
Cantoreggi - we are not at peak, we have decent daily flows, the peaks are what can hurt us. Supporting the fire flow is our concern, Schedule work for May as our wettest time of year and what happened last year, the drought came when we were doing work on some of our key producing wells.

Dellorco - we need to be cautious, with well 6 back online that would help
Ruszala - we need to change the pumps and well field to regain the full capacity of 3 and 6

Nutting - once we get the price we'll get a 20 year bond and get a rate increase, could be a 10-15% increase in the cost. At the end of the day, water is the most important thing. It could be 8 years between rate increases

Nutting - some home son Green St, and some off Populatic. Norfolk collects and pays our rate.

Sewer gets a flat rate for those with private wells

Sewer bill is based upon the water use, simple mathematics calculations

At one time, we had a permit to purchase water from Millis?
It would cost us significant to do so; we don't have the right, They can sell to us

most under our control is treatment plant in
second is to add a new well, could cost a $1m to have someone say no
third would be to spend money to add infrastructure to purchase from Millis


Water restrictions
Ruszala - to include private wells for a severe drought
over a thousand registered wells in Franklin
about 225 are for irrigation only
would only impact the private users during the full ban

Cantoreggi
when we go to a full band, we should have them join us, we are all drawing from the same aquifer, no matter the depth of the well, same aquifer

what is more important, the grass or the drinking water?

had a drought in 2007, so this is the second time
conservation, not a water ban

John Redwine, 9 Mapletree Lane
I understand it is the good for everyone, once you start hard to know when it will stop

Allen,
also private well owner, agree wholeheartedly, happy to know just the ban not the restriction
exception from the provision for the golf course
also an exemption for the Town, mis-aligned public valued
lawn versus irrigation discrepancies

I worry about the horticulture, the things that help the oxygenation we use
worry about the whole system effect, a fundamental balance
not creating a false comfort
2 things would love to see more about irrigation systems
many not following water sense system
moving thought process within the Town

Franklin Country Club gets their irrigation water from Wrentham
they have their own permits with the State

regarding exemptions for the Town, we did stop watering the fields
there are fields that for player safety that are watered
we also do have water sense systems

Kit Brady
really appreciate the work
wasn't aware of the facts
I don't consider us part of the water problem but part of the solution
as we are not effecting the problem, not convinced that the private wells are drawing from a common aquifer; private wells drilled at a different depth, has someone that diagram
not a hydroligist did research in the last couple of days
MA law reference
do see plenty of lawns that are wet in the mornings that could be enforced to help with compliance

Patalano, 11 Newall Drive
don't think it is necessary to regulate 225 wells

Bissanti
a drop in the bucket, I don't see enforcement
history of the wells in Franklin, a blunderous decision in 89-90 had to put in wells
expensive to maintain, irrigation system but stopped use and saves on landscaping as lawn cuts less frequently

Ruszala -
the main complaint, was how do they get water and I don't

Dellorco
I got caught up in the water moratorium too, I spent over $10K, and a recent $2500 for a new pump

Jones
the most simplistic way to put this, it is almost unmanageable, what this boils down to is what folks should and shouldn't do; folks have a clearer idea after tonight
everybody get on board with a basic understanding on what to do if we have a repeat of what happened last summer
a significant drought would be a public health issue

We have moved to a moderate level, it is recovering and the snow hasn't got there yet, but there is improvement

Bissanti - is there a rule about owning down and up
Cerel - other town have done this, it can be done. Owner rights are seldom absolute. It is an oversimplification

Would anyone object to posting that you have a well?
I think we can regulate a new irrigation system for better usage

DPW - we do water enforcement, we do public education, we do warning and we did one fine
we Google maps from neighbors, I don't like being water police and snow police but we do do that, we are active, more education than fining

Cerel - the bylaw is a re-write so even if we omit the privcate wells, it should go fardward

Live reporting: Storage Facility

J. Legislation for Action

8. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-786: Storage Facility Bylaw - 1st Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 16-786 to a 2nd Reading (majority vote)) motion to open hearing, seconded move to allow storage within the industrial zoning rather than letting it getting into another commercial zone motion to close reading, seconded motion to move to a second reading, seconded, passed 8-0

Live Reporting: Town Council Meeting - Feb 15, 2017

Present: Pellegri, Padula, Vallee, Kelly, Pfeffer, Bissanti, Dellorco, Jones
Absent: Mercer

A. Approval of Minutes	February 1, 2017 motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0
B. Announcements	This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29. This meeting may also be recorded by others.
C. Proclamations/Recognitions
D. Citizen Comments	Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five minutes on a matter that is not on the Agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter. Old Forge Hill resident road not cleared for snow
E. Appointments	Design Review Appointment James Bartro motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0

skipping ahead to cover other agenda items due to the scheduled Pubic Hearing at 7:10 PM

J. Legislation for Action

1. Resolution 17-06: Appropriation: Animal Control - Prior Year's Bill (Motion to Move Resolution 17-06: appropriation Animal Control - 4/5 vote) motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0

Old bill received late

J. Legislation for Action

2. Resolution 17-07: Local acceptance of Amended Provisions of G.L. Chapter 40, Sections 22A, 22B, and 22C (Motion to Move Resolution 17-07: Local Acceptance of Amended Provisions of G.L. Chapter 40, Sections 22A, 22B, and 22C - Majority vote (5)) motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0 MA general law changes a current Town of Franklin practice funds collected from parking would go to a fund for future purchases of space for parking

J. Legislation for Action

3. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-779: Changes to Chapter 185 Section 3 Definitions - 2nd Reading (Motion to move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-779 - Roll Call - 2/3 majority vote (6)) motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0 (via roll call, Mercer absent) the first of a set of bylaws zoning recreational marijuana with medical

J. Legislation for Action	4. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-780: Changes to Chapter 185 Section 4 Districts Enumerated - 2nd Reading (Motion to move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-780 - Roll Call - 2/3 majority vote (6)) motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0 (via roll call, Mercer absent) the first of a set of bylaws zoning recreational marijuana with medical
J. Legislation for Action	5. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-781: Changes to Chapter 185 Section 5 Zoning Map - 2nd Reading (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-781 - Roll Call - 2/3 majority vote (6)) motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0 (via roll call, Mercer absent) the first of a set of bylaws zoning recreational marijuana with medical follow up questions on potential challenges, this is setting us up conservatively as the State has not yet set up their process. The State will be the licensing authority for this. If the State doesn't do anything, our zoning actions set us up
J. Legislation for Action	6. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-782 Changes to Chapter 185 Section 7 Compliance required - 2nd Reading (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-782 - Roll Call - 2/3 majority vote (6)) motion to waive the reading, seconded, passed 8-0 motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0 (via roll call, Mercer absent) the first of a set of bylaws zoning recreational marijuana with medical
J. Legislation for Action	7. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-783: Amendment to Chapter 185 Section 49 Marijuana Use Overlay District - 2nd Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 17-783 - Roll Call - 2/3 majority vote (6)) motion to waive the reading, seconded, passed 8-0 motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0 (via roll call, Mercer absent) the first of a set of bylaws zoning recreational marijuana with medical

FHS Panthers Softball Clinic - March 25, 2017

Saturday March 25th 2017 (Rain or Shine) 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon
Franklin High School Gymnasium

$30.00 per player Grades 1-6

Players will learn the fundamentals of Fastpitch Softball. Specific skills will be covered using a series of stations which the players will rotate between to insure age groups and skill levels are being maintained.

Stations include:
• Proper throwing and catching mechanics
• Proper hitting mechanics
• Overall fielding and base running

The lead instructor will be KATE FALLON-COMEAU, Franklin High School Softball Program Director and Head Coach of Franklin High Panthers Varsity Softball. 

Coach Fallon-Comeau was a four year starter at Curry College in both pitching and catching and was team captain her senior year. After coaching JV softball at Cardinal Spellman High School, she went on to be Varsity Coach of SE Regional Vocational High School.

FHS Panthers

Assistant coach Matt Connelly, along with the Varsity players will be on hand to assist in what should truly be an exciting three hours.

Please complete and mail the form below with payment by March 18th 2017, to insure your softball player will be part of this event.