Franklin Matters

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Live reporting: License transactions

9. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

a. Mormax Corporation d/b/a Bj’s Wholesale Club, Change of Manager, 100 Corporate Drive.

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/9a._license_transactions_bjs_0.pdf

change of manager, otherwise things remain the same
with BJ for 5 years, at Franklin for 2 months

motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0

b. JDJ Ichigo Ichie, Inc., New All Alcohol License, 837 West Central Street.

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/9b._license_transactions_ichigo_ichie_redacted.pdf

change of ownership

motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0

c. Little Shop of Olive Oils, Inc. New Wine and Malt Retail Package Store License, 5 Main Street.

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/9c._license_transactions_lsevoo_redacted.pdf

for take home sales only, not for sale/drink on site
take home to pair with vinegar and oil gift baskets

Ferrari's owner speaks against the license
Franklin Liquor speaks for the license

motion to close hearing, seconded, passed 9-0

motion to approve, seconded, passed 6-3

~~d. JAC Restaurant, LLC d/b/a Joe Allen's Casual Dining and Bar, New All Alcohol License, 14 East Central Street.~~

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/9d._license_transactions_jac.pdf

application withdrawn, no action required

The published agenda and documents for the Franklin Town Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, November 13, 2019.

This was shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/november-13-town-council-agenda

Live reporting: Town Council - Nov 13, 2019

Present: Chandler, Hamblen, Pellegri, Dellorco, Mercer, Jones, Kelly, Earls, Bissanti
Absent: none

1. SWEARING IN OF TOWN COUNCIL AND TOWN CLERK
slightly out of order but the two swearing in events did happen
Asst Clerk was supposed to swear in Teresa Burr who would then swear in the council

2. ELECTION OF OFFICERS – Chair, Vice-Chair, Clerk
motion by Jones to nominate Mercer, seconded, passed 9-0
motion by Pellegri to nominate Dellorco, seconded, passed 9-0
motion by Earls to nominate Jones, seconded, passed 9-0

< break - 3 minute recess>

3. ANNOUNCEMENTS

a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and show on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

4. CITIZEN COMMENTS

a. 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.

none

5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. September 18, 2019 - motion to approve, seconded passed, 9-0
b. October 16, 2019 - motion to approve, seconded passed, 9-0

6. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
none

7. APPOINTMENTS

a. Cultural District Committee: Evan Chelman

motion to approve, seconded passed, 9-0

8. HEARINGS
none

The published agenda and documents for the Franklin Town Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, November 13, 2019.

This was shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/november-13-town-council-agenda

Help the Franklin Turkey Trot support the Franklin Food Pantry

Franklin Turkey Trot Registration is OPEN and waiting for you! Running or walking (I will be walking) gives you a worthy excuse to have that extra piece of pie later Thanksgiving Day.

Please visit www.franklinturkeytrot.org for race information and registration.

If you have any questions, please email franklinturkeytrot@gmail.com.

See you at the race! If you can't run or walk, you can donate to the Franklin Food Pantry online at https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/

Franklin TURKEY TROT Registration Open

Tri-County to Host Community Forum on Vaping Epidemic - Nov 19

Students at Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School will host a community forum next week highlighting the worsening teen vaping epidemic, with a panel of local experts who will discuss health, legal, and scholastic effects of vaping and vaping legislation.

The sophomore class of the Legal and Protective Services (LPS) career program will host the panel, “Inhaling the Facts: A Panel of Experts on the Vaping Epidemic” on Tuesday November 19 at 6 PM. The event is free and open to the public.

With the recent acknowledgement of vaping as a public health crisis and Governor Charlie Baker’s temporary ban on all vaping products statewide, students in the LPS career program have done extensive research on the matter, as it affects young people in their community. LPS students have learned about the known and suspected health risks of vaping, as well as the misinformation of products that are not regulated by the FDA.

State Representative Shawn Dooley, Dr. Lester Hartman of Westwood-Mansfield Pediatrics, Officer Paul Guarino of the Franklin Police Department, and Mary Ellen Bronner, a licensed social worker, will address the legislative and health issues related to vaping.

“In my opinion, this event will be successful if parents walk away feeling more educated about the vaping epidemic,” Teaghan LeBlanc, a sophomore at Tri-County said. “I hope that if middle schoolers learn the facts about vaping, they'll begin to realize that not vaping is their best option.”

“Teen vaping is currently at crisis levels in our Commonwealth. Teen smoking levels had reached an all-time low, but now we are seeing off-the-charts teen vaping. We must make sure we respond to this crisis swiftly but also thoughtfully and appropriately. Events like this panel are key to starting the dialogue, getting to the root of the problem, and ultimately establishing a smart, sensical policy to combat the issue,” said Representative Dooley.

Students in the LPS program are committed to public service, and the students wanted to reach out to the community with the information they have gathered in hopes of preventing younger students from picking up the habit.

What: Teen Vaping Expert Panel and Community Forum

Where: Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School, 147 Pond St, Franklin, MA 02038

When: Tuesday, November 19 at 6 PM

Who:

State Representative Shawn Dooley
Dr. Lester Hartman, Westwood-Mansfield Pediatrics
Officer Paul Guarino, Franklin Police Department
Mary Ellen Bronner, licensed social worker

Download a copy of this announcement
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczN0xiTDY1WU5TR2dvVXJMUDJudkd1T2VGMWhZ/view?usp=sharing

Tri-County to Host Community Forum on Vaping Epidemic - Nov 19

Reminder: Franklin Cultural District Partners Meeting - Nov 21

Franklin Cultural District Partners and Franklin residents and business owners are invited to join the Franklin Cultural District Committee (FCDC), the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC), and the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) in discussing culture, arts, the humanities, and economic development in Franklin’s Cultural District.

The meeting is scheduled for Thursday, November 21 at 7 PM at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill Street.

Luis Edgardo Cotto, Cultural Districts Program Manager for MCC, and Annis Whitlow Sengupta, PhD, Assistant Director of Arts & Culture for MAPC, will be the featured speakers. Their presentations will focus on the mission of Franklin’s Cultural District. They will provide information about contributing to culture, arts and the humanities and supporting economic development in Franklin.

For questions and/or additional information, please contact Nancy Schoen, Chair, at nschoenfranklinculture@gmail.com.

Franklin Cultural District Partners Meeting - Nov 21

Franklin High School's Eian Bain named Patriots High School Coach of the Week

via the New England Patriots:

"With a 28-14 victory over Brockton on Friday Night, Franklin High School’s Eian Bain has been named this week’s New England Patriots High School Coach of the Week.

Franklin continued to impress in the MIAA Division I South semifinals, taking advantage of a breakout second quarter performance to propel them to a win over Brockton. The Panthers scored 21 points in the second quarter and added another touchdown in the third to separate themselves from the Boxers in the Division I South playoffs for the second consecutive season. The victory snapped a four-game winning streak for the Boxers. Senior quarterback Thomas Gasbarro established himself as a dual-threat in the game, completing 15-of-21 passes for 212 yards and two touchdowns, while adding 35 yards and another touchdown on the ground.

With the win, Franklin High School moved to 7-2 on the year and advanced to the final round of the MIAA Division I South playoffs. They’ll look to push their winning streak to five games and capture the Division I South finals title when they face off against Catholic Memorial on Friday night.

Patriots and Pro Football Hall of Fame linebacker Andre Tippett, now the team’s executive director of community affairs, met with the Franklin players and coaching staff Tuesday afternoon to present the football program with a $1,000 donation on behalf of the Patriots Foundation, in honor of Coach Bain. The visit and check presentation will be featured on the Patriots weekly television show, “Patriots All Access,” which airs on Friday night at 7 p.m. on WBZ-TV in Boston and will be available immediately after on Patriots.com."

https://www.patriots.com/news/franklin-high-school-s-eian-bain-named-patriots-high-school-coach-of-the-week?

FHSl's Eian Bain named Patriots High School Coach of the Week

Greater Franklin Distinguished Young Women Information Night - Nov 18

The Greater Franklin Distinguished Young Women Program will hold an information night for current high school juniors from Franklin and surrounding towns, on November 18, 2019 7:30 pm at the Hockomock YMCA in Franklin.

The Greater Franklin Distinguished Young Women Program is part of a national scholarship program that inspires high school girls to develop their full, individual potential through a fun, transformative experience that culminates in a celebratory showcase of their accomplishments.

The program has provided life-changing experiences for more than 700,000 young women and more than $93 million in cash scholarships has been awarded at the local, state, and national levels combined.

Distinguished Young Women strives to give every young woman the opportunity to further her education and prepare for a successful future.

Last year the Greater Franklin Distinguished Young Women Program offered over
$43,000 in scholarship dollars including a full one-year scholarship to Dean College! Come join us in this incredible journey and participate in this program - it will be life changing!

Past local participants have earned scholarships at the state and national levels. Information:

Open to all high school Juniors in all towns, no age requirement.
Program is free to join.
Rehearsals begin in January 2020, one night per week. Showcase held in Spring 2020.
Attendance is preferred but we are flexible and will work with you if you cannot attend all the rehearsals.

Website: http://franklin.ma.distinguishedyw.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FranklinDistinguishedYoungWomen
Email: amy_azza@hotmail.com

Download a copy of the flyer
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczQk1lbFlnLWNvckdlSU5vTzR0YU1OMGZXZHhF/view?usp=sharing

Greater Franklin Distinguished Young Women (courtesy photo)

FM #181 - Economic Development Subcommittee - Oct 23, 2019 - (audio)

FM #181

This internet radio show or podcast is number 181 in the series for Franklin Matters.

This recording shares the meeting of the Economic Development Subcommittee on Wednesday, Oct 23, 2019. The only item on the agenda was the FHS student initiative on plastic bags.

The next meeting was not determined.There would be a new Council after the Nov 5 election and the Chair would need to confirm members of the subcommittee, as well as the timeline to bring the proposal to the Council.

The recording of the meeting itself runs approx 45 minutes.

Without further ado, here is the meeting of Oct 23.

https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/H1gfBHQX

-------------

The handouts as referenced:

The student proposal (and agenda for meeting)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/101q3q2UP0GOjTZH_9_y04c47gT0RwVSu/view?usp=sharing

H771 drafts and talking points

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but I can't do it alone. I can always use your help.

How can you help? Overall:

If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors.
If you don't like this, please let me know.

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements.
Thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

In the News: Franklin Police - no shave November; Assumption College to change to University

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

"Officers from Franklin, Hopedale, Medway, Bellingham, Millis and Upton police departments are participating in the Home Base No Shave campaign in support of Home Base, a Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital Program.

Traditionally, police departments have a grooming policy where officers must remain clean-shaven. However, for November, police officers have pledged $100 to forego the traditional grooming policy and grow beards, mustaches and goatees to support Home Base and its mission to provide no-cost clinical care to Veterans and Military Families impacted by the invisible wounds, such as post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury.

The movement is spearheaded by MBTA Transit Police and Boston Gang Unit Detective Kurt Power, a U.S. Army Veteran and Purple Heart recipient who sought care for his own invisible wounds at Home Base."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191112/area-police-departments-to-participate-in-home-base-no-shave-campaign

"Ben Franklin and the Franklin Police Department are once again participating in No Shave November"

"Assumption College received approval from the state to become a university and will do so next year, according to an internal memo school leadership sent on Wednesday.

In that message, President Francesco Cesareo said Assumption’s Restructuring Implementation Committee will prepare for that “historic transition” over the next year.

“There’s a lot of work to be done before we can actually turn the switch,” he said in an interview with the Telegram & Gazette, including the development of a “unifying visual identity” for the renamed school, which enrolls around 2,500 students."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191110/assumption-college-gets-states-approval-to-become-university

Find out more about Assumption at https://www.assumption.edu/

Note: I graduated from Assumption College in 1976 with an English major and Education minor.

Franklin Democrats demonstration scheduled for Sat, Nov 16

The Franklin Democrats will demonstrate again next Saturday, Nov. 16, between 10:00 AM and noon at the intersection of East Central and Emmons Streets, in front of Piezoni's Restaurant. (Rain day is Sunday.)

The theme of this month's demonstration is "Impeachment At Last?" with special thanks to Nancy Pelosi, to a courageous whistleblower, and to patriotic witnesses who have respected congressional subpoenas.

As before, people can make signs next Saturday or just show up.

Colin Cass for the Franklin Democratic Town Committee

Franklin Democrats demonstration scheduled for Sat, Nov 16

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Live reporting: Consent Agenda through to Closing

VII. Consent Agenda
A. Approval of Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from the October 29, 2019 School Committee meeting as detailed.

separated from other items on the consent agenda as only two members were present
motion to accept, seconded, passed 2-0-5 (2 for, none against, 5 abstained)

B. Athletics Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $2,734.00 from Five Star Franchises, LLC (Jersey Mike’s) for FHS Athletics Department as detailed.
C. Parmenter Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $2,051.30 from the Parmenter PCC for field trips as detailed.
D. Keller Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,700.58 from O’Connor Studios for supplemental supplies at Keller Elementary School as detailed.
E. Scholarship
I recommend acceptance of a check for $10,000.00 from the John C & Eunice B Morrison Charitable Foundation for a Scholarship as detailed.

motion to accept, seconded, passed 7-0

VIII. Payment of Bills
for next time

IX. Payroll
for next time

X. Adjournment

motion to adjourn, seconded, passed 7-0

The agenda and other documents released in advance of the meeting can be found on the School Committee page https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/november-12-2019-school-committee-packet

Note - other documents are added after the meeting (usually during the Wednesday business day).

Live reporting: Discussion - Action Items

III. Discussion/Action Items
A. Policy – 2nd Reading
I recommend adoption of the following policies as discussed:
a) KF – Community Use of School Facilities
b) KF – E1 – Rules and Regulations
c) KF – E2 – FHS Building Use
d) KF – E4 – FHS Fee Schedule

Facilities policy changes moved to approve after clarification questions on estimate costing for facility use #SchComm1112
— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) November 13, 2019

IV. Discussion Only Items

V. Information Matters
A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports (e.g. Budget, Community Relations/Public Schools Advocacy, Policy, Transportation, Ad Hoc Superintendent Evaluation, Ad Hoc Davis Thayer Facility Analysis)
B. School Committee Liaison Reports (e.g. Joint PCC, Substance Abuse Task Force, SWAC)

overview of the committee and liaison positions provided, those with interest let Chair know so allocations can be made

VI. New Business
A. To discuss any future agenda items

up for next meeting - school finances, including capital budget before it goes to the Finance Committee and Town Council for discussion and decision
Survey results possible for next time; only have the preliminary data now and awaiting release of 'final' data; if not ready, this will slide to a future meeting; survey covers cultural climate of school from 4, 5, 8, and 10 grader perspectives

The agenda and other documents released in advance of the meeting can be found on the School Committee page https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/november-12-2019-school-committee-packet

Note - other documents are added after the meeting (usually during the Wednesday business day).

Live reporting: School Committee - Nov 12, 2019

Present:D'Angelo, Keenen, Pfeffer, Scofield, Bergen, Spencer, Stokes
Absent: none

Will be tweeting from the #SchComm1112 meeting tonight, new committee - organization (selecting Chair and Vice Chair ) up first
— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) November 13, 2019

Organizational Meeting:
• Election of Chair
• Election of Vice Chair

#SchComm1112 Bergan voted as Chair, Spencer nominated (not seconded), Scofield nominated, seconded and elected ViceChair
— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) November 13, 2019

I. Routine Business
A. Review of Agenda
no changes

B. Citizen’s Comments
no one other than myself in the audience (after family of student for pledge left)

In the spirit of open communication, “the Committee will hold a public
participation segment (also called Citizen’s Comments) about matters not related to an agenda item at the beginning of each regular School Committee meeting. The Committee will listen to, but not respond to any comment made….

A Committee member may add an agenda item to a future meeting as a result of a citizen comment….

The Committee will hear public comments related to an agenda item when the Chair deems appropriate during the Committee meeting. Topics for discussion during the meeting must be limited to those items listed on the Committee meeting agenda for that evening…. ” - from Policy BEDH

C. FHS Student Representative Comments

D. Superintendent’s Report

emergency busing notice posted
link to Superintendent's report to be added

II. Guests/Presentations - none

The agenda and other documents released in advance of the meeting can be found on the School Committee page https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/november-12-2019-school-committee-packet

Note - other documents are added after the meeting (usually during the Wednesday business day).

L-R front : D'Angelo, Pfeffer, Scofield; L-R Back Keenen, Bergen, Spencer, Stokes

Franklin Public Schools: Emergency Bus Service Due to Cold Forecasted Temps

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Dear Franklin Families,

Due to the forecast for frigid temperatures and cold wind chills this evening and early morning and the potential for lingering icy spots on roads and sidewalks, the Franklin Public Schools will be utilizing emergency busing tomorrow morning, Wednesday, November 13, 2019. Students who do not normally ride the bus who are walking or waiting along the route will be picked up by our drivers.

We do not anticipate a need for emergency busing in the afternoon.

Please take steps to appropriately prepare for tomorrow's weather. Boots or appropriate footwear, warm coats, hats and gloves or mittens will be critical in the morning hours.

Sincerely,

The Franklin Public Schools

Franklin Public Schools: Emergency Bus Service Due to Cold Forecasted Temps

School Transportation info https://www.franklinps.net/district/transportation

New storm water utlility fee proposal - Town Council meeting Nov 13

New storm water utility fee ("tax") proposal up for discussion at the Town Council meeting on Wednesday, Nov 13, 2019.

Given this is in response to questionable EPA requirements (#1), given the EPA regulation process is potential revised (#2) Why are we doing this?

#1