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Saturday, July 24, 2021
Cobi's Corner: Returning to Life
"Massachusetts will need to make major investments in infrastructure"
"If the heavy rains of this summer are emblematic of our future normal as climate change progresses, then so, too, is this: Much of that rainwater overwhelms local sewers, triggering the release of hundreds of millions of gallons of raw, untreated sewage into Massachusetts waterways.
When the rain falls, as it has so many days this month, aging sewers can fill and overflow, spilling pathogen-laden sewage into the same places where people fish, swim, and boat. It’s a problem that plagues the state, even without the expected impact from climate change.
Despite billions of dollars that have been spent to repair and upgrade sewers around Boston Harbor, for example, sewage overflows from Quincy have remained a persistent problem. Quincy recently signed a settlement with the federal government, agreeing to spend $100 million to fix its sewers. And just this week, discharged sewage was pointed to as a possible cause of an oily sheen, dead fish, and putrid smells on a section of the upper Charles River."
Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)
One of the major infrastructure pieces for Franklin just came online; the new water treatment plant on Grove St. The next item to come up for discussion later this year is the replacement project for the Beaver St interceptor, our major sewer connection. The project has been talked of for years and earlier this year, received funding for the full project plans and costs to be developed. That proposal is likely to come up during the fall. Stay tuned for it.
Recap of Jan 6, 2021 Town Council meeting which included authorization to fund the development work for the project design
The Finance Committee posted agenda for Nov 2020 including the interceptor project presentation document https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/11/franklin-ma-finance-committee-agenda_14.html
My notes of the meeting https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/11/finance-committee-meeting-recap-nov-17.html
The Oct 21, 2020 Town Council meeting segment with the Beaver St interceptor presentation and discussion https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/fm-372-town-council-mtg-102120-part-2.html
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| key graphic depicts the sewer gravity flow along with the depth of the access points |
Friday, July 23, 2021
Franklin's Event Outlook: July 23 - July 29, 2021
Hopefully, a good weather weekend as there are outdoor activities today with the Farmers Market and Concert on the Common which includes "movie night". THE BLACK BOX also offers a concert choice Friday and Saturday nights. The Historical Museum is open both Saturday and Sunday so you can check out the new 'parlor' exhibit as well as the Davis Thayer exhibit. And consider stopping by the Toys for Tots Festival (at the Alumni Restaurant) during the day Saturday as well as the Franklin United Methodist Church for a cookout Saturday evening.
Friday, July 23
2:00pm - Farmers Market
3:30pm - Kids craft activity by Library Youth Services
5:00pm - Concerts on the Common: "Kendo"
6:00pm - Concerts on the Common: "Frank Padula Band"
7:30pm - Exit 17
8:00pm - Movie Night: Spider Man into the Spider-Verse
Saturday, July 24
10:00am - Historical Museum (always free)
10:00am - Historical Museum (always free)
12:30pm - Toys for Tots Festival
5:30pm - FREE Community Cookout
7:30pm - The Zajac Brothers Band
5:30pm - FREE Community Cookout
7:30pm - The Zajac Brothers Band
Sunday, July 25
1:00pm - Historical Museum (always free)
Tuesday, July 27
9:00am - wfpr.fm: Pamela Hines – Jazz Journey
12:00pm - wfpr.fm: Pamela Hines – Jazz Journey
6:00pm - wfpr.fm: Pamela Hines – Jazz Journey
Wednesday, July 28
10:00am - wfpr.fm: "The Wonderful World of Wine" – Mark/ Kim
1:00pm - wfpr.fm: "The Wonderful World of Wine" – Mark/Kim
7:00pm - wfpr.fm: "The Wonderful World of Wine" – Mark/Kim
7:30pm - Let’s Laugh Today is Free on ZOOM!
1:00pm - wfpr.fm: "The Wonderful World of Wine" – Mark/Kim
7:00pm - wfpr.fm: "The Wonderful World of Wine" – Mark/Kim
7:30pm - Let’s Laugh Today is Free on ZOOM!
Thursday, July 29
10:00am - wfpr.fm: "Frank’s Music" – Frank Falvey
11:00am - wfpr.fm: "Talkin’ the Blues" – Jim/Todd
1:00pm - wfpr.fm: "Frank’s Music" – Frank Falvey
2:00pm - wfpr.fm: "Talkin’ the Blues" – Jim/Todd
5:00pm - Historical Museum (always free)
7:00pm - wfpr.fm: "Frank’s Music" – Frank Falvey
8:00pm - wfpr.fm: "Talkin' the Blues!" - Jim/Todd
1:00pm - wfpr.fm: "Frank’s Music" – Frank Falvey
2:00pm - wfpr.fm: "Talkin’ the Blues" – Jim/Todd
5:00pm - Historical Museum (always free)
7:00pm - wfpr.fm: "Frank’s Music" – Frank Falvey
8:00pm - wfpr.fm: "Talkin' the Blues!" - Jim/Todd
Find the full calendar https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html
If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication: https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6
The Town meeting calendar is found https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district meeting calendar is found https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26
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| Community Calendar |
Franklin Food Pantry appoints 3 new Board members
Franklin Food Pantry Bolsters Board with Three New Members
Experienced Leaders Join Board of Directors
The Franklin Food Pantry today announced three new members to its Board of Directors. Community Members Vicki Coates, Susan Dewsnap, and Chris Kilburn have joined its Board to further The Franklin Food Pantry's mission to provide immediate hunger relief and healthy sustainable solutions within the Franklin area as well as guide The Pantry to its next stage of services.
"Our Board of Directors is comprised of a dedicated team of community leaders committed to relieving food insecurity within our community," said Franklin Food Pantry Executive Director Tina Powderly. "Vicki, Sue and Chris bring a variety of experience that round out our Board of Directors and we are excited to have their talents available as we look to fully fulfill our mission."
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| Vicki Coates |
Susan Dewsnap
Susan Dewsnap is a Vice President and Relationship Manager at Rockland Trust. She is a graduate of The University of Massachusetts Amherst (B.B.A.) and Bryant University (M.B.A.). Her professional financial experience includes both corporate and personal financial planning. Her volunteer involvement includes 10 years on the Franklin Finance Committee and Treasurer of Tockwotton Home in Providence, RI. She also enjoys helping at school events and cheering for her kids at sports and music events. Dewsnap lives in Franklin with her husband and two children.
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| Chris Kilburn |
About the Franklin Food Pantry
The Franklin Food Pantry offers supplemental food assistance and household necessities to more than 1,400 individuals. During the Covid-19 pandemic, The Pantry has moved to a curbside distribution. Clients receive a bag of shelf-stable items, fresh produce and a choice of proteins along with specialized bags for children under 18. The Franklin Food Pantry receives no state or local funding for our operational costs. As a private, nonprofit organization, we depend on donations from individuals, corporations, foundations and other strategic partners. We are grateful for our many partnerships, including that with the Greater Boston Food Bank, that allow us to achieve greater buying power and lower our costs. Donations and grants fund our food purchases, keep our lights on, and put gas in our food truck. Other programs include delivery, Weekend Backpack Program for Franklin elementary and middle school children in need, emergency food bags and holiday meal packages. The Pantry is located at 43 W. Central St. in Franklin on Route 140 across from the Franklin Fire Station. Visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org for more information.
Recap: Town Council approves Dean alcohol license and executes right of first refusal for Maple Hill open space
Quick Recap:
- The Town Council recognized two retirees Patti Wyllie, Treasurer-Collector's Department and Tommy Grundstrom, DPW and Ndoumbe Ndoye, Franklin High School, Commonwealth Heroines Award
- Reconsideration of the alcohol license for Dean College per their ABCC appeal resulted in approval by a 7-2 vote
- The right of first refusal for the Maple Hill property was funded and approved by a unanimous 9-0 vote (via roll call). This is the first time the time has accepted its right of first refusal as it was in position to do so with the funds from the Pond St sale ($1.6M) and use of the Community Preservation Act funds now available. It will take time to complete the purchase, then the planning for trails, access parking, etc. can begin. Funding for this improvement work remains to be determined.
- Town Administrator contract approved with minor revisions to extend for 5 years (from 3), increase aligned with that of other town employee commitments, and formalized the annual review with an ad-hoc subcommittee to provide a report to the full Town Council.
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As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session
The Twitter hashtag can be found online #tc0721
https://twitter.com/hashtag/tc0721?src=hashtag_click
The Twitter hashtag can be found online #tc0721
https://twitter.com/hashtag/tc0721?src=hashtag_click
Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one album
Agenda doc (including connection info) ->
https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/_2021-07-21_town_council_agenda_2.pdf
Agenda folder ->
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/july-21-town-council-agenda
- Getting ready for the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting at 7 PM. The agenda doc can be found https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/_2021-07-21_town_council_agenda_2.pdf #tc0721
- Real time reporting underway for the Town Council meeting, connection info in image #tc0721
- Citizens comments, Dale Kurtz announcement of purple heart day, Aug 7, recognition of 18 recipients. Contact veterans office to confirm participation. Monument repair project starting.
- Kerri Bertone treasurer collector announcing paperless billing option, also waiving ACH charge for electronic payments. #tc0721
- Motion to approve mins of 5/26 meeting; 5/27 minutes approved also by voice vote; June 9 meeting mins, Jun 23 minutes, approved also via voice vote - 2 abstentions for last vote #tc0721
- Patti Wyllie recognized at retirement after 33 years of service to Town of Franklin #tc0721
- Tommy Grundstrom, DPW sewer dept now retiring after 26 years, #tc0721
- Ndumbe Ndoye, recognition for her selection as a commonwealth heroine. #tc0721
- Public hearing opened for bylaw amendment on tasting rooms, no Public step to comment, EDC subcommittee chair Hamblen speaks for, hearing closes ... up for vote later in meeting #tc0721
- Next up, dean college alcohol license up for approval after denial last year by council. ABCC determined no legal reason for denial. Back for approval... #tc0721 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/7a._dean_college.pdf
- If TC does deny again, the applicant could appeal, would be heard by superior court which would review the hearing by the Council. Not a public hearing, applicants can respond to questions clarification on points. Students would not be tending bar, only Sodexo employees #tc0721
- Councilor Chandler pulled records of last 4 years of police incidents. College may not notify of all incidents, can be handled internally, major ones or per student request do get reported. Alcohol events are well managed by college personnel and Sodexo tip certified #tc0721
- Chandler concerned with 'capricious' comment by ABCC. Council does have broad authority, the applicant does have broad authority. "It is not that simple" #tc0721
- Bissanti Council should not be bullied by ABCC or threat of lawsuit. Dellorco how much have we spent? Just over $2k to defend the community for the prior decision. Jones adds that this is a simplification of the 30 one day licenses with this they did have no incidents #tc0721
- Mercer important to clarify the license for events, no a pub open in the campus center, faculty, college business. #tc0721 Cerel "do you want to take their advice or not?" Hellen State ABCC acts to provide guidance and oversight on the legality of the process.
- Events only license not a liquor license? Kelly - Dean needs to do better community outreach on any number of the other issues, parking etc. #tc0721 a further amendment to add a condition of req 21+ to serve at the events. Bissanti calls this a recipe for disaster
- Exception made for citizen comment which is not part of the public hearing. Another citizen complaining about the student behavior as neighbors. #tc0721
- Confusion between what is allowed per license for the special events vs. general alcohol already on campus from other Franklin establishments. This license doesn't allow for those type purchases. #tc0721
- Roll call vote: Chandler, Bissanti no, all other 7 Councilors voted to approve. 7-2 vote, it passes. #tc0721
- Next up, gift resolution. https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10a._21-40_library_gift.pdf #tc0721 vote passes 9-0
- Gift acceptance https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10b._vets_gift.pdf Vote to approve, 9-0 passes #tc0721 Gift acceptance, police dept https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10c._pd_gift.pdf vote to approve, passes 9-0
- Gift acceptance, fire dept #tc0721 https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10d._21-43_fd_gift.pdf vote to approve, passes 9-0 Bylaw amendment, stop signs https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10e._21-870_stop_signs.pdf vote to pass after second reading, passes 9-0 via roll call
- Zoning bylaw amendment, tasting room #tc0721 https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10f._21-872_tasting_room_0.pdf removes the 25% required per feedback via EDC listening sessions After second reading, vote to approve, passes 9-0 via roll call
- Appropriate funds for Maple Hill right of first refusal #tc0721 https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10g_maple_hill.pdf FinCom and CPC gave prior approval, CPC specifically for the use of CPA funds for this vote to approve, passes 9-0 via roll call (for purpose of record)
- Approval of acceptance of first refusal option https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10g_maple_hill_0.pdf. #tc0721 While the prior provides the fund, this applies the funds to the purchase the land as outlined with CPA funds (inspite of what bond counsel reqmts called for) passes 9-0 via roll call
- Many happy people out there voted for this historic vote. #tc0721 TA Hellen report, grant for $20k for complete streets for chairs, lighting, barriers for outdoor dining downtown. Thanks to the 4th of July committee for their work. Quiet zone study money rec'd.
- Thanks to Chrissy Welton for her work, she is moving to FL, best wishes. #tc0721 Dean Ave parking for future agenda. Thanks to those who voted for CPA, put us position to make the purchase of Maple Hill. Last word "awesome" for Chrissy. Dean relationship does need to improve
- #tc0721 thanks to prior Councils for identifying the Maple Hill space and helping to work towards the purchase today. Executive session, will return to open session, subject to what happens for final adjournment. Negotiate with TA, motion and 2nd passes via roll 9-0
Return to open session
- Council returns to open session, contract for Jamie, FY 22 same salary (2% COLA) no new financial commitments, removes auto increases, replaced by increase inline with other municipal employees, also reqs ad hoc sub comm to do review and bring to full council. #tc0721
- No comments on new contract, motion to approve, passes 9-0 Motion to adjourn, passes 9-0 #tc0721
Audio recording of meeting to be available in couple of days
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| Dean College officials answering questions during the alcohol license discussion |
Rep Roy's recap of Franklin Historical Museum reopening
State Representative Jeff Roy writes:
"Delighted to be a part of the grand re-opening of the Franklin Historical Museum last week. The re-opening brought back to life our local laboratory for history and culture and offered residents a chance to see Franklin over the years since 1778.
It was also a treat to hear James Johnston describe the new federal parlor display and hear Jamie Barrett sing his ode to Davis Thayer (brief video included below). Check out the newly re-opened and expanded museum. Thank you Mary Olsson for making it all happen."
Shared from Facebook: https://facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10165185454565034&id=534850033
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| ribbon cutting of the Franklin Historical Museum reopening |
Franklin to get a piece of the MassTrails Grant Program announced
Charlie Baker (@MassGovernor) tweeted on Thu, Jul 22, 2021:
Full press release -> 🏞️ https://t.co/unNjArHfE5
Press conference video -> 📺 https://t.co/KLqiv94S9H or https://youtu.be/XDZLGTAZVBE
Glad to join state + local officials today in Sandwich to award nearly $4M in MassTrails Grant Program funding to 52 trail projects to support construction, maintenance + improvement of public trails across the Commonwealth.
Full press release -> 🏞️ https://t.co/unNjArHfE5
Press conference video -> 📺 https://t.co/KLqiv94S9H or https://youtu.be/XDZLGTAZVBE
Shared via Twitter -> https://t.co/K648WQiQhU
The 52 project awards can be viewed in this PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XhuW_9x0qXMPB7r44oNBt8aJxiXW3tYw/view?usp=sharing
On the first page we find:
Community: Foxboro, Wrentham, & Franklin
Organization: Department of Conservation and Recreation
Project Title: F. Gilbert Hills/Wrentham/Franklin OHV Trail Repair and Improvements
Brief Project Description:
"This project builds off previous trail repair work aimed to protect wetland and soil resources, repair poor trail conditions, and enhance user experience for all visitors. Years of repeated motorized use with a lack of substantial trail repair have resulted in a trail which is up to fifteen feet wide in various locations. Fall line trails with poor drainage potential have left some areas eroded to almost two feet below the original trail surface. Conditions addressed as part of the project include braided hill climbs, mud pits with standing water, and needed trail relocation"
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| MassTrails Grant Program |
Invisible Stories - #10 - "Homelessness is NOT a Choice (featuring LAHSA)"
"In CA, there are only 22 affordable housing units for every hundred extremely low income households" - in Franklin, the wait list for state provided affordable housing is multiple years long.
Mark Horvath (@hardlynormal) tweeted on Sun, Jul 11, 2021:
Invisible Stories is a mini-doc series that goes beyond the rhetoric, statistics, political debates, and limitations of social services to examine poverty in America via a medium that audiences of all ages understand and can't ignore.
Link to the 10th and last episode of the series: https://youtu.be/nEpaCA9tlEQ
More about the Shower of Hope = https://theshowerofhope.org/
Link to the series: https://t.co/Y0NRNIujar
Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/hardlynormal/status/1414284287034155020Note: I met Mark at a social media conference many years ago and have been following his work. This series is very well done. Yes, the series is set in LA but homelessness is an issue all around us whether visible or not.
MA News: Gov Baker says no changes; BPS says masks for students; MA House passes sports betting
Gov Baker: No plans to change COVID policies
"ALTHOUGH COVID-19 CASE numbers are rising in Massachusetts and nationally, Gov. Charlie Baker said Thursday that he does not intend to reinstate any statewide COVID-related rules.
“We’re not looking at changing any of our existing rules or policies,” Baker said, speaking at a press conference in Sandwich."
Continue reading the article online
https://commonwealthmagazine.org/health/baker-no-plans-to-change-covid-policies/
https://commonwealthmagazine.org/health/baker-no-plans-to-change-covid-policies/
"In one of the first signs the resurgence of COVID infections is causing concern among officials, Boston Acting Mayor Kim Janey on Thursday said all public school students in the city will be required to wear face masks when they return to classes in September.
Already this week, officials in Cambridge, Provincetown, and Nantucket urged residents and visitors to wear masks in indoor public spaces as new outbreaks have been reported; Cambridge, for example, said that 42 percent of the 83 confirmed and probable infections in July so far are “breakthrough” cases involving people who are fully vaccinated."
Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)
MA House passes sports betting
"THE HOUSE OVERWHELMINGLY approved a bill to legalize sports betting in Massachusetts on Thursday evening, but even before the vote, the question of whether to allow wagers on college sports emerged as a major sticking point between the House and Senate."
Continue reading the article online
"The state House of Representatives on Thursday overwhelmingly passed a bill that would legalize sports betting in Massachusetts, allowing people 21 and older to place wagers on professional and collegiate athletic events.
The House endorsed the measure 156-3, sending it to the state Senate, which has been less enthusiastic about legalizing the practice."
Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)
Toys for Tots Festival => July 24
3rd Annual Toys For Tots Festival. More details as the we get closer to the event. More vendors and more raffles, with special guests.
As of now (July 19) here is Christmas in July setlist. (*Subject to change if need be)
Event will be CA$H only No Credit Cards at bar!!! ATM inside as well as across the street at Big Y.
% of sales goes to Toys For Tots
For additional updates follow the event on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/events/256879422661382/
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| Toys for Tots Festival => July 24 |
Let's keep it going Franklin
"The Department of Public Health released new town-by-town data for coronavirus cases on Thursday, the latest set of such data showing how the virus has impacted individual communities throughout Massachusetts."
Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)
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| only 10 positive cases in this report |
Thursday, July 22, 2021
THE BLACK BOX Summer Series: Exit 17 and The Zajac Brothers Band
Friday, July 23
EXIT 17 is a four piece Classic Rock Band based in Franklin, MA, Playing all the hits you know and love, from Aerosmith to U2!
Tickets can be purchased online https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1476&month=07&year=2021
Saturday, July 24
The Zajac Brother’s band specializes in psychedelic blues rock music, influenced by the counterculture movement of the 60’s and 70’s. Tyler Zajac on Vocals and Keys, Luke Okerlund on Guitar, Ryan Philipps on Bass, and Matt Zajac on Drums.
The Zajac Brothers Band will be performing songs by both The Beatles and The Grateful Dead. These two juggernaut bands are major influences to the Zajac brothers. Join us at THE BLACK BOX while they pay homage to their heroes by performing this tribute night featuring creative medleys, improvisational jams and deep cuts from The Beatles and The Grateful Dead.
Tickets can be purchased online
In case of inclement weather these events will be moved inside.
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| THE BLACK BOX Summer Series: Exit 17 and The Zajac Brothers Band |
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