Sunday, January 19, 2020

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Jan 22, 2020

Agenda

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

2. 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.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a. December 18, 2019
b. January 8, 2020

4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
- None Scheduled

5. APPOINTMENTS
Franklin Cultural Council: Theodore D. Cormier-Leger

6. HEARINGS
- None Scheduled

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
- None Scheduled

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
OPEB (Other Post Employment Benefits) Presentation

9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
b. Budget Subcommittee
c. Economic Development Subcommittee

10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Zoning By-Law Amendment 20-849: Changes to Ground-Mounted Solar Energy System Use Regulations, And Use Regulations Schedule Updates-Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-849 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)

10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Zoning By-law Amendment 20-850: Zoning Map Changes On Or Near Highland, Maple and Lincoln Streets- Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-850 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)

10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Zoning By-law Amendment 20-851: Zoning Map Changes On Or Near Oak Street and Dailey Drive- Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-851 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)

10d. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-08: 2020 - 2021 Town Council Goals (Motion to approve Resolution 20-08 - Majority Vote)

11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT
12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
13. COUNCIL COMMENTS
14. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Collective Bargaining

I request a motion that the Board vote to convene in Executive Session for the purpose of discussing strategy with respect to collective bargaining, because an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the Board.
15.RETURN TO OPEN SESSION FOLLOWING EXECUTIVE SESSION: LEGISLATION FOR ACTION, CONTINUED
15a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION - Continued
Resolution 20-06: Request for Legislation- Exempting all Positions in the Fire Department from Civil Service Laws (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-06 - Majority Vote)

15b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION - Continued
Bylaw Amendment 20-852: Chapter 82 Municipal Service Fees- 1st Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 20-852 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)

15c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION - Continued
Resolution 20-07: Ratification of the Franklin Permanent Firefighter Association Local 2637 Contract (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-07 - Majority Vote)

ADJOURN

Note:
Two - Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

This was shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/january-22-town-council-agenda

The full agenda can be found on the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/january-22-town-council-agenda

The documents released for this meeting can be found in one PDF
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/2020-01-22_agenda_web.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Jan 22, 2020
Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Jan 22, 2020


"it’s definitely been quite a ride here"

Josh Perry, Managing Editor of HockomockSports.com, provides an update on the collegiate career of FHS grad, Ryan Spillane:

"Looking forward to his junior season at St. Anselm, Ryan Spillane was expecting to see a larger role for the Hawks. The former Franklin High standout had played in 23 games as a sophomore, scoring a pair of goals and recording three assists, and he had high hopes of even more ice time and even more production as a junior.

Unfortunately, a hamstring injury in September would cost Spillane the entire year. He has worked hard to not only get back on the ice but to become a regular contributor for a team with its sights set on bringing home the NE-10 title.

“By the beginning of the summer I was ready to get back on the ice and get in shape,” Spillane explained. “By the time the season came, I felt like I was ready to go, back in game shape like I was two years ago. It’s nice to be back on the ice.”

It is always hard for an athlete to sit and watch his team play, but Spillane praised his coaches, teammates, and the training staff at St. Anselm for keeping him involved and for getting him back on the ice for this season."

Continue reading about Ryan:
https://hockomocksports.com/franklins-ryan-spillane-skates-into-final-shift-at-st-as/


Former Franklin standout Ryan Spillane has battled back from an injury to have a strong senior season at St. Anselm. (St. Anselm Athletics)
Former Franklin standout Ryan Spillane has battled back from an injury to have a strong senior season at St. Anselm. (St. Anselm Athletics)

FHS wrestling team wins 3 matches at Algonquin Quad

Via HockomockSports.com and Twitter, we share the results of FHS winter sports action on Saturday.

Girls Hockey = Franklin, 2 @ Medway, 3 – Final

Wrestling = Algonquin Quad (Franklin 3-0), wins over Framingham, Westford Academy, and Algonquin




For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/saturdays-schedule-scoreboard-01-18-20/

And via Twitter:
https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/lists/fhs-sports


FHS wrestling Tteam wins 3 matches at Algonquin Quad
FHS wrestling team wins 3 matches at Algonquin Quad

Attention Franklin Residents: Stormwater Survey

Stormwater Survey

Interested in winning a free rain barrel just in time for Spring?! 

Fill out the survey below (it only takes 5 minutes!) and you'll be entered to win a rain barrel from The Great American Rain Barrel Company! 

The Town of Franklin is interested in gauging public knowledge in stormwater to help develop outreach and educational programs. With your participation, we can more accurately inform residents of the struggles we face regarding pollution and stormwater prevention. Thank you for your help!

https://forms.gle/RMmuDsYxgpmfJg7e6

Attention Franklin Residents: Stormwater Survey
Attention Franklin Residents: Stormwater Survey

If you haven't heard about storm water, you are about to hear more this year. It is on the "watch list" for 2020  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/01/franklin-issue-on-2020-watch-list_6.html

Franklin Downtown Partnership: General Meeting - Feb 6

The next general meeting of the Franklin Downtown Partnership will be held on Thursday, February 6 at 8:30 AM at the Dean College Campus Center

What’s Next for the Former Clark-Cutler-McDermott Property?
One of the topics for the next general meeting (February 6) will be an update on the future of the Former Clark-Cutler-McDermott (CCMcD) Property. Rick Kaplan, president of RE/MAX Executive Realty’s Commercial Division, will provide a short presentation on preliminary plans for the property.

We look forward to seeing you!

For other info on the Franklin Downtown Partnership visit their page
https://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/

The scale booth at the former Clark-Cutler-McDermott (CCMcD) property
The scale booth at the former Clark-Cutler-McDermott (CCMcD) property

Attention Franklin: Job Opportunities within DPW, Facilities, Fire Dept

Job Opportunities

To apply for a vacant position, please submit a resume and cover letter to apply@franklinma.gov.  Please put the job title in the subject line of your email.  
  • Motor Equipment Repair Person (Mechanic) - Department of Public Works
 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/l6-motor-equipment-repair-person-external-posting-jan162020.pdf
  • Heavy Motor Equipment Operator - Department of Public Works 
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/hmeo-external-posting-october252019.pdf
  • ON CALL SNOW SHOVELERS - Come work on an on call basis for the DPW and help us keep school and town sidewalks clean!
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/shoveler-posting.pdf
  • Part-Time and Substitute Custodian positions - Facilities Department 
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/part-time.and-substitute-custodians-oct252019.pdf
  • Firefighter/Paramedics - The Town of Franklin's Fire Department is in the Massachusetts Civil Service system. 
    • If you are currently a Firefighter/Paramedic in a Civil Service community and are interested in working for Franklin, send a resume and cover letter to apply@franklinma.gov
    • Please note: new hires must have and maintain a paramedic certification and complete an Associate's Degree within 5 years of the date they are hired.   
If you do not have a resume, you may send a completed Application for Employment instead  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/application_for_employment_-_town_of_franklin.pdf
To receive notifications of all job opportunities in the Town of Franklin, subscribe here https://www.franklinma.gov/subscribe

Attention Franklin: Job Opportunities within DPW, Facilities, Fire Dept
Attention Franklin: Job Opportunities within DPW, Facilities, Fire Dept

Franklin Veterans Council: Thank you Starbucks!

Thank you Starbucks for supporting 
Franklin veterans!

John Hefele (pictured far right) of the Franklin Veterans Council recently presented Starbucks, Route 140 in Franklin, with a certificate of appreciation for their support of the Franklin veterans monthly coffee socials. 

Pictured left to right are Starbucks team members Liam Palacious, Helen Donovan, Courtney Clark and John Hefele
Pictured left to right are Starbucks team members Liam Palacious, Helen Donovan, Courtney Clark and John Hefele

This was shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/thank-you-starbucks

Saturday, January 18, 2020

FPAC presents Moliere's "Tartuffe" - Jan 25-26

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) will present Moliere's classic comedy “Tartuffe” on January 25 at 7:30 PM and January 26 at 2:00 PM at THE BLACK BOX.

So virtuous is Tartuffe that every form of pleasure is an abomination to him. Orgon, a rich merchant, is completely duped by the ruse and watches approvingly as the cunning Tartuffe "reforms" his whole family. So besotted is the merchant that he even plans to give Tartuffe his fortune, his house, and finally his daughter. Orgon's wife finally exposes Tartuffe for the rogue he is -- and her husband for being a gullible fool. By the time Orgon sees the light, only the courts can insure justice.

The cast features an array of local talent including Michael Baratta of Hopkinton in the title role. Baratta’s FPAC credits include Art (Yvan), Matilda (Sergei), Cabaret (Ernst) and You Can’t Take It With You (Mr. Kirby). Baratta trained at The Juilliard School in New York and spent two summers with the Williamstown Theatre Festival and also studied theatre at Williams College. A Hopkinton resident, he’s been featured in a number of Enter Stage Left Theater productions, including Twelfth Night (Malvolio), Much Ado About Nothing (Benedick), The Glass Menagerie (Tom; EMACT DASH Award nominee, Best Actor), Blithe Spirit (Charles), and Arsenic and Old Lace (Jonathan).

For tickets and more information, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call the box office at 508-528-3370. 

FPAC presents Moliere's "Tartuffe" - Jan 25-26
FPAC presents Moliere's "Tartuffe" - Jan 25-26

Franklin Public Schools: Superintendent Ahern provides update on FHS video incident

January 17, 2020

Dear Franklin Community,

I want to take this opportunity to update you on the investigation and action steps stemming from the offensive video that circulated among high school students last week. I want to restate that we condemn such statements; they violate our District’s core value of inclusivity and negatively impact the safe and welcoming environment we have committed to provide for each student, family, and our faculty/staff.

As noted in the January 10 communication, the administration promptly initiated an investigation based on our protocol of responding to incidents of hate and bias. Privacy laws restrict the extent to which we can share additional information, however we wish to assure you that appropriate remedial measures have been taken.

This incident has had a significant impact on the FHS community and we are taking steps to address this. Earlier today, High School Principal Paul Peri and Deputy Principal Bill Klements addressed the student body to emphasize and reinforce our core value of inclusivity and to discuss cultural proficiency and the appropriate use of social media. The high school administrators will be enlisting support from outside resources, while also working with the World of Difference student leaders, student government leaders, student club leaders and advisors, and other interested students and faculty members in the coming weeks to develop and implement educational opportunities about cultural proficiency and appropriate use of social media for the school.

I also wish to share the District’s continued work towards improving our school community and addressing offensive speech that violates our core values:
● Cultural proficiency is a theme across all four district and school goals in our Improvement Plans.
● We regularly review our policies, practices, curriculum, and resources for bias.
● We provide professional development to faculty and staff.
● The World of Difference program, which utilizes trained student leaders to implement an anti-bias curriculum, is instituted in our middle and high schools.
● Student meetings are held to prevent discrimination and harassment. Consequences for such inappropriate behavior are part of our school code of conduct.
● Numerous clubs and extracurricular activities focus on inclusion including but not limited to the Diversity Club, SAGA, the International Club, Unified Sports, and Best Buddies.
● The Wellness curriculum includes instruction on appropriate social interaction through social media.
● We have provided social media education for parents/guardians and their children.

The District is committed to continued review of our policies and practices related to cultural proficiency and appropriate use of social media.

We continue to remain optimistic based in part on the large number of students, staff, and community members who came forward to share their concerns and desire for a more inclusive and welcoming environment. We look forward to building upon this energy in the future.

Sincerely,

Sara E. Ahern, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools

This is an abridged version of a more detailed letter sent to high school families.

In case you missed the earlier notification
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/01/franklin-public-schools-important.html

For more info about the World of Difference program
https://www.adl.org/who-we-are/our-organization/signature-programs/a-world-of-difference-institute 

 
Franklin Public Schools: Superintendent Ahern provides update on FHS video incident
Franklin Public Schools: Superintendent Ahern provides update on FHS video incident

Both FHS boys and girls basketball AND swim teams post wins on Friday

Via HockomockSports.com and Twitter, we share the results of FHS winter sports action on Friday.

Boys Basketball = Oliver Ames, 54 @ Franklin, 57 – Final
– Senior Chris Edgehill scored a season-high 26 points and the Panthers held off a late rally from Oliver Ames to get the win. Oliver Ames held a 17-11 lead after a quarter of play and took a 24-23 advantage into halftime but Franklin used a big third quarter to take the lead for good. The Panthers poured in 23 points in the third with senior Brayden Sullivan scoring nine of his 11 points in the frame and both Edgehill and Steven Karayan hit from three to give Franklin a 46-37 lead heading into the fourth. OA had a shot to tie it at the buzzer but it was off the mark. Evan Craig scored a team-high 13 points for OA, Owen Friel added 12 points, Jay Spillane chipped in with 11 points, and Ryan Burkett added 10 points for the Tigers.

Boys Swimming = King Philip, 67 @ Franklin, 102



Girls Swimming = King Philip, 81 @ Franklin, 89



Girls Basketball = Franklin, 71 @ Oliver Ames, 41 – Final
Josh Perry, Managing Editor of HockomockSports.com, provides the game recap:

As a freshman, Franklin forward Olivia Quinn got to experience life on the varsity team, spending every practice going up against the Panthers star center Ali Brigham during the team’s run to a Div. 1 Central title. That experience seems to have paid off handsomely for the Panthers because Quinn has taken her game to another level this winter.

In a showdown at the Nixon Gym of the top two teams in the Kelley-Rex division, Quinn was unstoppable. She poured in a career-high 32 points, including 23 in the second half, and knocked down five three-pointers, including all four that she took after the break.

Quinn and Brigham combined to score 37 of Franklin’s 41 points in the second half, as the Panthers rolled to a 71-41 victory and grabbed control of first place in the division.

“I thought on offense we executed at a high level, especially in the second half,” Franklin coach John Leighton explained. “We got under control, we didn’t kick the ball around the gym, stopped fouling, and just got good possessions. When they doubled Ali, we moved the ball and kids knocked down open shots.”

Continue reading the game recap
https://hockomocksports.com/olivia-quinn-sets-career-high-as-franklin-girls-basketball-rolls-at-oa/

For a photo gallery from this game
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2019-2020/Winter-2019-2020/Oliver-Ames-Franklin-Girls-Basketball-1-17-20/

For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-01-17-20/

And via Twitter:
https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/lists/fhs-sports 



Franklin sophomore Olivia Quinn scored a career-high 32 points, including 23 in the second half, to lead the Panthers to a big win at OA. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)
Franklin sophomore Olivia Quinn scored a career-high 32 points, including 23 in the second half, to lead the Panthers to a big win at OA. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

Franklin Downtown Partnership: Networking Breakfast - Jan 24

The first Downtown Partnership Networking Breakfast of the new year is Friday, Jan. 24 at 8 AM at the Dean College Dining Center

Stop in for a cup of coffee or enjoy a full breakfast! 

Please RSVP to Gary (GARY.DONELAN@middlesexbank.comor Matt (mlechter@DEAN.edu) to let them know you'll be there.


Franklin Downtown Partnership: Networking Breakfast - Jan 24
Franklin Downtown Partnership: Networking Breakfast - Jan 24


“Every box of cookies is more than just a yummy cookie”

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"If you’ve been waiting since last winter for more Girl Scout cookies, they’re back.

The cookies, which have been around for about 100 years, are available through March 8.

There is a new cookie, Lemon-Ups. But most of the longtime favorites – including Thin Mints, Samoas and Tagalongs - are back. Prices have not changed in three years. But the packaging has been redesigned.

For the first time, cookies are baked with messages on them inspired by Girl Scout entrepreneurs. Each Lemon-Ups cookie bears one of the following declarations: I Am Gutsy, I Am Strong, I Am Creative, I Am Bold, I Am A Leader, I Am A Risk-Taker, I Am An Innovator, I Am A Go Getter."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200117/girl-scouts-open-cookie-sales-with-new-variety-but-keep-recipe-for-success

As some may recall from last Saturday, I managed to stock up on a supply of Girl Scout cookies from Troop 62378 was at the Rockland Trust Bank in downtown Franklin. Other girl scouts were at locations around town and will be for the next several weekends.

Troop 62378
Troop 62378

Girl Scout cookies
Girl Scout cookies
For additional info on Girl Scouts and how cookie sales fund their programs, you can listen to this Freakonmics podcast. Stephen Dubner interviews Sylvia Acevedo, CEO of Girls Scouts  http://sylviaacevedo.org/

podcast link --> http://freakonomics.com/podcast/girl-scouts/ 
 

"Trupiano will join Dean College’s sports broadcasting bachelor’s degree program"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"Whether they’re seated at the front of the class or “WAAAY BACK!” students in former Red Sox radio voice Jerry Trupiano’s class at Dean College can be expected to be called on starting next week.

The college announced this week that Trupiano, a Franklin resident since 1996, was recently appointed as an adjunct faculty member of communications for the Dean School of Business. He will teach a class called “Sports & Entertainment Media Reporting” on Tuesdays on campus.

Trupiano, 72, told the Daily News in a phone interview that before coming to Dean, he taught an online sports broadcasting class at the University of Houston.

“I’ve had a great experience teaching at Houston, and since I’m in the area now I can actually appear in person,” he said. He plans to draw from his professional experience and contacts in Hollywood and New York, including Joe Buck and Bob Costas, to teach students, and will eventually take on more classes in the future."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200117/jerry-trupiano-former-voice-of-red-sox-joins-faculty-at-dean-college

"Trupiano will join Dean College’s sports broadcasting bachelor’s degree program"
"Trupiano will join Dean College’s sports broadcasting bachelor’s degree program"

MBTA - Franklin LIne - Shuttle service on weekend, regular service on Monday (MLK Day)

1 - Weekend Shuttle Service
Weekends, through March, Franklin Train service is replaced by free buses between Forge Park/495 and Readville for a Fairmount Line connection while PTC is installed. There will be no service at Back Bay, Ruggles, Endicott, Islington and Norwood Depot.

Additional weekends may be added to the train service suspension between Forge Park/495 and Readville as work progresses on the Franklin line.

Please visit https://www.mbta.com/FRKwork for more details about bus shuttle schedules. Visit MBTA.com/PTC for more information on how this project will improve commuter rail safety and travel. Passengers may experience delays of up to 30 minutes as a result of shuttle bus connections.

There will be no Franklin line service at Back Bay and Ruggles stations on weekends. Please travel to South Station to reach a Franklin Line station. If you are travelling inbound, please board a Worcester/Framingham line Train for direct connection to Back Bay or a Providence/Stoughton line Train for a direct connection to Back Bay or Ruggles.

We also recommend the subway: board the Red Line at South Station and transfer to the Orange Line at Downtown Crossing to reach Back Bay or Ruggles.

Due to proximity of adjacent stations, bus shuttles will not serve Endicott, Islington and Norwood Depot stations:
-Endicott station customers, please use Readville or Dedham Corp stations.
-Islington station customers, please use Dedham Corp station.
-Norwood Depot customers, please use Norwood Central or Dedham Corp station.

8:40pm and 10:40pm departures from Forge Park as well as 11:20pm departure from South Station will be accommodated by a bus for the entire trip between South Station and Forge Park (including the portion between South Station and Readville).

Thank you for your patience while we improve the signal system on your Commuter Rail line.


2 -  Regular scheduled for Monday, MLK Day
The Commuter Rail will be operating on a regular weekday schedule for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, January 20, 2020.




MBTA Franklin Line notices: Weekend Shuttle Service though March 2020
MBTA Franklin Line notices: Weekend Shuttle Service though March 2020

The Franklin Public Library will be closed Sunday/Monday and Town Offices will be closed on Monday for Martin Luther King Day, Jan 20


  • The Franklin Public Library will be closed Sunday, January 19 and Monday, January 20 for Martin Luther King Day
  • Franklin Town Offices will be closed on Monday, January 20 in observance of the holiday


closed on Monday for Martin Luther King Day, Jan 20
closed on Monday for Martin Luther King Day, Jan 20