Monday, December 12, 2022

Reminder: Franklin School Committee meeting Tuesday, Dec 13, 2022 - 7 PM

Franklin School Committee 
December 13, 2022 - 7:00 PM
Municipal Building – Council Chambers 

Among the key items on the agenda is a presentation on the Lifelong Community Learning program.


The meeting packet folder with docs released for this meeting (although not always available before the meeting)

Reminder: Franklin School Committee meeting Tuesday, Dec 13, 2022 - 7 PM
Reminder: Franklin School Committee meeting Tuesday, Dec 13, 2022 - 7 PM

Attention! All members of the Franklin LGBTQIA+ Alliance! We need your help with this survey

Before planning events for the upcoming year, we would like to get a sense of when members are available, what types of events members would like to attend, and how much time members are interested in volunteering.  Your responses to the survey below will help us reach this goal.  

This anonymous survey should take no more than 15 minutes to complete.


Thank you for your help!
 
--Executive board, Franklin LGBTQIA+ Alliance

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Monday, Dec 12, 2022

  • wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM dial = Monday

9 AM 12 PM and 6 PM Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick & Todd Monjur
2 hours of awesome blues music, info, interviews

11 AM 2 PM and 8 PM A More Perfect Union – Discussing American Politics and Current Events - Peter Fasciano, Dr. Michael Walker Jones, Dr. Natalia Linos, State Rep Jeff Roy, Chris Woolf, and Nick Remissong host a round table discussion on current events and American politics, bringing about thoughtful conversation, compelling discourse, and a look at what the future might hold for the United States

  • Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 26) = MONDAY

8:00 am SAFE Coalition: The Hamlins
9:00 am Veterans Oral History Project: Warren Sayer Green
12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Banana Bread
12:30 pm Sandhya: Cupcakes
1:00 pm Cooking Thyme: Centerpieces
1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Margherita Pizza
2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Fall 2019 Show 8
3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 9
4:00 pm Santa On The Common 2022
4:30 pm Battleship Cove: Inside The History: Pt. 3
5:00 pm Extended Play Sessions: Season 10 Show 2 - Paul Kelly
6:00 pm Veterans' Call: PACT Act
7:30 pm Frank Presents: Jim Derick
9:00 pm ArtWeek: Airmen of Note

  • Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 96, Verizon 28) = MONDAY

7:00 am Public School Concert: Elementary Winter Music Pt. 1 12-11-18
8:30 am FHS PCC: Vaping Forum
10:30 am Public School Concert: MICCA Showcase Pt. 2 03-14-18
12:00 pm FHS Girls Varsity Basketball: v Braintree 03-04-22
2:00 pm SAFE Coalition: Woody Geissman
3:00 pm Public School Concert: Sullivan Winter Music 2019
4:30 pm FHS Boys Varsity Basketball: v Durfee 03-04-22
6:30 pm Battleship Cove: Inside The History: Pt. 3
7:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Hockey: v St. John's Prep 02-16-22
9:30 pm FHS Girls Varsity Hockey: v Canton 02-22-22

  • Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 11, Verizon 29) = MONDAY

8:00 am Planning Board: 12-05-22
11:00 am Finance Committee: 12-07-22
2:00 pm Planning Board: 12-05-22
5:00 pm Community Preservation: 12-06-22


Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf  

Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm)
Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm)

Sunday, December 11, 2022

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda & Documents for Dec 14, 2022 7:00 PM

FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL
Agenda & Meeting Packet
December 14, 2022 - 7:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building, 2nd floor, Council Chambers 355 East Central Street

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR
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.
b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.
2. CITIZEN COMMENTS
a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three 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. November 2, 2022
b. November 16, 2022 
 
4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS - None Scheduled.

5. APPOINTMENTS
a. Mark LePage - Conservation Commission
b. Alison Rheaume - Disability Commission
c. Francesca Ricci - Disability Commission
d. Lloyd (Gus) Brown - Sealer of Weights and Measures

6. HEARINGS - 7:00 pm - None Scheduled.

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
a. 2023 Annual Alcohol License Renewals - See attached 2023 Town of Franklin Alcohol Licenses Renewals   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/7a_licenses.pdf
8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION
a. Franklin Library Association Presentation of Gift - Scott Nolan, President, FLA
b. Snow Removal Presentation: Robert “Brutus” Cantoreggi, Director of Public Works  
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8b._snow_presentation.pdf
9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
a. Resolution 22-86: Gift Acceptance - Franklin Public Library ($70,000)
b. Resolution 22-87: Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Department ($565)
(Motion to Approve Resolution 22-87 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9b._gift.pdf
c. Bylaw Amendment 22-888: Chapter 170, Vehicles And Traffic, Section 170-22, Subsection A, Location of Stop Signs - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 22-888 to a second reading - Majority Roll Call Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9c._22-888_stop_signs.pdf
d. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 22-889: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at  Chapter 185, Attachment 7. Part VI, Use Regulations Schedule: Residential Uses
(Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 22-889 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9d_1.pdf
e. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 22-890: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at  Chapter 185, Section 51.  (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 22-890 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9e._22-890.pdf
f. Resolution 22-88: Local Acceptance of MGL Ch40, Section 5B, Fourth Paragraph
(Motion to Approve Resolution 22-88 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9f._22-88.pdf
g. Resolution 22-89: Creation of the Massachusetts Statewide Opioid Settlement Stabilization Fund, as Authorized b GL Chapter 40, Section 5B (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-89 - Two-Thirds Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9g._1_-_resolution_22-89_-_town_council_creation_of_the_opiod_settlement_stabilization_fund.pdf
h. Resolution 22-90: Authorization of and Appropriation for Purchase of Three Parcels of Unimproved Land (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-90 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9h.pdf
i. Resolution 22-91: Authorization for Town Administrator to Submit American Rescue Plan Act Applications to Norfolk County (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-91 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/91._22-91.pdf
j. Resolution 22-92: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44, §53F3/4 (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-92 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9j._22-92.pdf

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
b. Economic Development Subcommittee
c. Budget Subcommittee
d. GATRA Advisory Board

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION
a. Exception #2: Contract negotiations with non-union personnel, namely: Town Administrator
b. Exception #3: Strategy with respect to collective bargaining: Police Patrol, Police Sergeants and Fire Department unions

15. RETURN TO OPEN SESSION
a. Vote on approving Administrator contract, subject to Executive Session outcome
i. Legislation for action:
1. Resolution 22-93: Approval of Town Administrator’s Contract (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-93 Majority Vote)
b. Resolution 22-94: Salary Schedule: Full-Time Elected Official - Town Clerk (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-94 - Majority Roll Call Vote)

16. ADJOURN

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

The full agenda doc also contains remote participation info ->

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda & Documents for Dec 14, 2022 7:00 PM
Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda & Documents for Dec 14, 2022 7:00 PM

Franklin.TV: Franklin Food Elves - Raising Money for the Food Pantry

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 12/11/2022

The Franklin Food Elves is the Franklin Food Pantry’s largest fundraiser of the year and it wraps up our holiday giving season. Every December high school and middle school students earn community service hours and raise money for The Pantry. Each student works in their elementary school district and is assigned streets by District where they drop off our signature purple envelopes and a flyer explaining the program. 
Franklin Food Pantry
Franklin Food Pantry

People can make donations via an online page or leave a check in the envelope that the student returns to pick up on a specific date. The Pantry provides all the materials each Elf needs. It’s a great program that makes a large impact on The Pantry. Elves can earn community service hours (12 hours for in-person canvassing of neighborhoods and 10 hours for online fundraising only). If you have any questions please contact Marsha Tait at mtait@franklinfoodpantry.org.

Food prices increased by 13.1% nationally and 10.9% locally this year and have not only impacted Franklin families but have increased The Pantry’s operating costs as well. Fundraisers like Food Elves are critical to the organization – especially now amid rising food prices and increasing need.

use this QR code to find your elf or to donate
use this QR code to find your elf 
Last year the Elves raised over $95,000! These funds help to provide services and food, including fresh produce, proteins and dairy to neighbors in need. Food Elves is the Franklin Food Pantry’s largest annual fundraiser, and we can’t wait to see what the Food Elves accomplish this year!

Look for your purple envelope and consider making the holidays brighter for your neighbors by placing a donation in the purple envelope for pickup by your local Food Elf. If you have not been visited by a Food Elf you can donate via this QR code!


Questions? Call us. 508-541-4118. 
Thanks for listening to 102.9 wfpr●fm. 
And – as always – thanks for watching.

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf  
 

holiday symbols 2022

Economic Development Subcommittee & Steering Committee Meeting - Dec 14 at 5:45 PM

Economic Development Subcommittee 
Steering Committee Meeting
Agenda & Meeting Packet
December 14, 2022 - 5:45 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building, 2nd floor, Council Chambers


Agenda:
1. Presentation: Mark Bobrowski
a. Chapter 40R - Smart Growth Zoning & Housing Production
 


Economic Development Subcommittee & Steering Committee Meeting
Economic Development Subcommittee & Steering Committee Meeting

FHS boys hockey hold successful scrimmage with Braintree, Wrestling has a "great day"

Via HockomockSports.com & Twitter, we share the results of the fall sports competition for Franklin High School on Saturday, December 11, 2022. We also provide the link to the full set of Hockomock League results below.

Wrestling = Ashland Tournament (Franklin), 10:00AM
Great day of wrestling, Winiker 5th ,Carlucci 3rd, Foley 2nd, Bramson 6th, O’Connell 2nd, Large 5th https://twitter.com/FHSWrestle/status/1601674819086348288

For other results around the Hockomock League


The FHS boys hockey team had a game situation scrimmage with Braintree with the results as follows:

Scrimmage Results: Franklin 4 Braintree 2
1st Period Recap:
Off the drop of the puck the boys came out firing, up tempo and pushing the puck. Ben Jarosz, Sicchio & Dylan McEvoy had lots of chances to put one home, but the first goal of the game comes at 13:27 into the 1st off low blocker high slot shot by Logan Marchand that's then tipped by Ben Paterson to Anthony Lampasona who buries it. Second goal comes at 9:45 after Braintree dumps it into the zone and Aidan Kuykendall immediately snaps it up the boards past a Braintree defender to Ben Paterson who slides it to Dan Daley who's streaking down the right side of the ice for a 2 on 1, Dan Daley slides the puck over to Anthony Lampasona who punches the ticket to make it 2-0 Franklin. With 4:24 to go in the first Colby Wagner fends of a big breakaway but Braintree would find the net a minute later off a turn over inside the defensive zone. The boys finished off the period on the penalty kill allowing 2 shots and blocking 4. Strong first period by first year defenseman Vinnie Pasquarosa, returner Tommy Balducci who was a forecheck machine and Colby Wagner who was solid in net seeing 13 shots.
2nd Period Recap:
Quiet 2nd period until about 7:38 left in the period when Ben Paterson wins an offensive zone faceoff to Anthony Lampasona who slides it to the weakside defenseman Aidan Kuykendall. Aidan snaps a low wrister off the goalie's pad that finds its way to Dan Daley's stick who snipes it putting Franklin up 3-1. Period would end at 3-1 Franklin; Colby Wagner stops another 13 shots for the donut on the period and that will end his night. Returner Liam O'Rielly has another solid period and newcomers Mike Gates, Zach Langevin, Carter Balducci, Jack Wernig & Rhys Greenwood all working hard & playing strong. Couple in some good shifts from Carmine Iannuzzi and Lucas Sheehan that rounds out the period. Solid overall performance for the period but not as good as the first.
3rd Period Recap:
Starting the 3" Jake Torraco gets the call in the pipes to take the boy's home. The period is uneventful lots of back and forth until 6:08 left in the game Franklin takes a tough penalty and in the same transition Braintree puts one home to make it 3-2. Franklin will spend 5 of the last 6 minutes serving the major. Jake Torraco does a great job weathering the storm while Logan Marchand, Liam O'Rielly, Ben Jarosz and Ryan Sicchio go into lockdown mode. With 2:05 to go in the game and off a relentless forecheck by Dylan McEvoy and Tommy Balducci, they cause a turnover at mid ice and Tommy Balducci is off to the races putting it away making it 4-2 Franklin - FINAL!!! 
 
Solid night by the team! Great to see lots of puck distribution, team play & chemistry. Tons of hustle and of course some things to workon but we are onterra forma and no question season will be exciting!!
Home opener Wednesday night vs Newburyport - LET's GOOOOO pack the house!

Enjoy the February School Break with one or more Franklin Recreation Programs - Registration opens Dec 12, 2022

Check out our upcoming February Break Programs. Registration for all February Break Programs will open on Monday (Dec 12, 2022)! 
Register online at franklinma.myrec.com


Enjoy the February School Break with one or more Franklin Recreation Programs - Registration opens Dec 12, 2022
Enjoy the February School Break with one or more Franklin Recreation Programs - Registration opens Dec 12, 2022

DPW Curbside & Recycling Ctr schedule for holiday weeks Dec 26-30, 2022 & Jan 2-3, 2023

DPW Notice: 
Curbside trash/recycling pickup will operate on a regular schedule during holiday weeks  
(Dec. 26- 30, 2022 and Jan. 2-3, 2023).

Recycling Center Holiday hours are as follows:
  • Sat., Dec. 24: 8AM-1PM
  • Sun., Dec. 25: CLOSED
  • Sat., Dec. 31: 8AM-1PM
  • Sun., Jan. 1: CLOSED 

CommonWealth Magazine: "Old laws, like Prop 2 1/2, need to adapt to times"

"I’VE BEEN STRUGGLING to find the right metaphor for our current economic situation. After the great recession of 2007-2009, my go-to was a staircase: the recession had knocked us down a flight of stairs and it took us a decade to climb back up.

But that won’t do today. If COVID knocked us down the stairs, our response was to leap–like some superhero–up and out of the building. Only afterwards did we realize we don’t know how to land.

Or how’s this analogy…to avoid a dangerous tangle on the highway, we successfully accelerated around it–only to discover that our brakes aren’t working well.

You get the point. For the first time in decades, the problem with the US economy is that it’s running too hot, with plentiful job opportunities driving unsustainable wage growth and consumer demand keeping inflation above healthy levels.

Fixing all this is mostly a job for the feds. But lawmakers here in Massachusetts have an important role to play: they need to adapt."
Continue reading the article at CommonWealth Magazine ->

CommonWealth Magazine: "Old laws, like Prop 2 1/2, need to adapt to times"
CommonWealth Magazine: "Old laws, like Prop 2 1/2, need to adapt to times"

What proposed FTC updates to the Eyeglass Rule mean for you (video)


What proposed FTC updates to the Eyeglass Rule mean for you

By Colleen Tressler, FTC, Division of Consumer and Business Education

The FTC enforces the Eyeglass Rule, which gives you the right to get your eyeglass prescription — whether you ask for it or not — and at no extra charge once your eye exam has been completed. 

Having a copy of your prescription lets you shop around and get the best deal. But based on public comments and consumer reports we've gotten, it's clear that some eye doctors aren't following the Rule.

Read more -> https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2022/12/what-proposed-ftc-updates-eyeglass-rule-mean-you



Saturday, December 10, 2022

Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting Dec 13, 2022 - Agenda

Franklin School Committee 
December 13, 2022 - 7:00 PM
Municipal Building – Council Chambers 


Call to Order Mr. McNeil
Pledge of Allegiance 
Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business
A. Review of Agenda
B. Payment of Bills
C. Payroll
D. FHS Student Representative Comments
E. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations
A. Lifelong Learning Presentation - Patricia Gay, Director LLI

III. Discussion/Action Items
A. Policy 2nd Reading / Adoption
I recommend Adoption of the following policies as discussed:
KF-E3 - Facilities Fee Schedule
JLCCD - Managing Life-Threatening Food Allergies in the Education Setting
JLCCD-E - Protocol & Guidelines for Management of Life-Threatening Food Allergies in FPS

IV. Discussion Only Items
A. ACCEPT Annual Report

V. Information Matters
A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
B. School Committee Liaison Reports

VI. Consent Agenda
A. Approval of Minutes
I recommend approval of the Minutes from you November 22, 2022 School Committee meeting as detailed.
B. Scholarships
I recommend acceptance of two checks totaling $1,250.00 for FHS Scholarships as follows:
a. $1,000.00 Roberta Trahan
b. $250.00  Sean Jobin
C. FHS Gifts
I recommend acceptance of 2 checks totaling $1,170.85 as follows:
a. $1,000.00 for Student Activity Account - In house Enrichment from FEF & General Dynamics
b. $170.85 - Supplemental Supplies - from Ohiopyle
D. Executive Session Minutes
I recommend approval of the Executive Session Minutes from the November 22, 2022 School Committee Meeting as detailed.
E. New Club: National Art Honor Society
I recommend approval of the request of Amy Edson to create the new club: National Art Honor Society as detailed.
 
VII. Citizen’s Comments

VIII. New Business
To discuss any future agenda items

IX. Adjournment


The meeting packet folder with docs released for this meeting (although not always available before the meeting)


Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting Dec 13, 2022 - Agenda
Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting Dec 13, 2022 - Agenda

Reminder: A Conversation of Hope: Black & Jewish Voices in Harmony - Dec 11 at 7 PM

Seating in the Temple is limited so Franklin.TV will broadcast and live stream the event. 


Via Temple Etz Chaim: 

"December 11, 2022 at 7:00 PM. Come attend a special presentation at 900 Washington St in Franklin. 
Rabbi Alpert will be among those presenting."



A Conversation of Hope: Black & Jewish Voices in Harmony - Dec 11 at 7 PM
A Conversation of Hope: Black & Jewish Voices in Harmony - Dec 11 at 7 PM

FHS girls and boys indoor track teams top North Attleboro in opening meet on Thursday

Via HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the winter sports competition for Franklin High School on Thursday, December 8, 2022. We also provide the link to the full set of Hockomock League results below. 


Boys Indoor Track = North Attleboro, 36 @ Franklin, 64 – Final 
– Franklin’s depth proved to be key as the Panthers took two of the top three spots in eight individual events, including sweeps in the 2 Mile and the 600M, to take down North Attleboro. Jonathan Pink clocked in at 11:13.06 to win the 2 Mile, followed by Luke Paragona and Sean Giuliano, while Jake Vaccarezza won the 600M in 1:33.84 with Fraser Baird and Jake Lorenzo rounding out the top three. Franklin also got wins from Harry Gurney (55M hurdles, 9.24), Luke Sidwell (300M, 37.74), and Will Boozang (1 Mile, 5:01.03). North Attleboro’s Nathan Shultz continued his dominance in the winter, taking first in a pair of events: the high jump in a league-best 6-06.00 and the 55M dash in 6.76. The Rocketeers also got wins from Kyle Conroy (long jump, 18-04.75), Mark Etienvre (shot put, 50-04.00), and Connor Peterson (1000M, 2:48.29).

Girls Indoor Track = North Attleboro, 22 @ Franklin, 77 – Final 
– Franklin opened the season with a dominant showing, winning eight events, sweeping two of them and scoring in all of them, while taking both relays to beat North Attleboro. Lily DeForge, who set the school record in the shot put, won the event in 35-01.50 followed by Elizabeth Hopkins and Darby Nicholson while Sarah Dumas (9.01, Barra Pfluke, and Cailyn Bruno swept the 55M hurdles. Dumas also won the 55M hurdles (9.01) and other winners for the Panthers were Abigail Griffith (high jump, 5-00.00), Mackenzie Mann (2 Mile, 14:04.79), Sophia Cuneo (55M dash, 7.94 and 300M, 45.50), and Ella McLaughlin (600M, 1:54.14). North’s Julia Simpson (1000M, 3:34.51) and Katie Galcoczy (1 Mile, 6:07.87) each won for the Rocketeers.

For other results around the Hockomock League  -> 

FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

Franklin School Committee - Committee scheduled to meet in Executive Session - Dec 13

Franklin Public Schools
Franklin School Committee - Stipend Committee
December 13, 2022 - 4:00 PM
Municipal Building 3rd Floor Conference Room

A G E N D A
"The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law."
1. Call to Order

2. Executive Session
a. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to
collective bargaining with the FEA/RN unit as an open meeting may
have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the School
Committee and the chair so declares.
b. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(2) to conduct collective bargaining
sessions with the FEA/RN unit.


The agenda doc can be found on the FPS page ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/stipend_agenda_-_12-13-22.pdf

Stipend Committee scheduled to meet in Executive Session - Dec 13
Stipend Committee scheduled to meet in Executive Session - Dec 13