Under existing rules, players are grouped by age: for example: third-graders who are born after May 1 must play with second-graders. Under the new rules, parents would be given a one-time option to play in groups based on age or school grade. For example: parents of a third-grader, usually around 9 years old, born between May 1 and Aug. 31, may choose to let him move to play with fourth-graders or stay with third-graders for another season.Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
The committee said a change in the rules would make kids feel included and improve their social and playing skills.
Some of the problems of a change, Ayotte said, would be in administering the new rules. A change could weaken a league that is losing players to the next higher level, he said. Young players could lose an additional playing year by moving up, he said.
A change could also prevent the organization from ever being able to affiliate with the Little League which has age cutoffs.
Friday, November 20, 2009
In the News - baseball rules
Thursday, November 19, 2009
3rd Thursday - Men's Night Out
"Men's Night Out"
Ladies are welcome
Thursday, November 19th
Ladies are welcome
Thursday, November 19th
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
12 Main Street
Emma's will showcase quilts made strictly by men. "We invite everyone to join us for a visual display of men's creativity and enjoy some refreshments" says Cyndi Rich, owner of the quilt shop.
Other 3rd Thursday happenings:
Artbeat Your Creativity Store will host a reception to introduce "Handmade for the Holidays," a craft gallery featuring the work of local artisans and demos for unique holiday gifts that easily can be made by children and adults. Artbeat is located at 9 Summer Street.
Stop by Café Dolce, 17 East Central Street, will host a gold buying event: Bring in your unwanted gold, silver, platinum, gemstones and diamonds and our experts in the jewelry industry tell you what it's worth and pay you on the spot. Check out the Café Dolce webpage for more information.
Facial Rejuvenation at 11 Main Street will offer 20 percent off all Jane Iredale mineral cosmetics. "Jane Iredale is the gold standard in minerals recognized by dermatologists, plastic surgeons and skin care professionals around the world" says owner Kathleen Ronzio.
Franklin Pizza, 18 Cottage Street, will offer a free 2-liter soda with purchase of a large pizza with one or more toppings.
Jane's Frames, 11 East Central Street, will display new etchings just in time for the holidays. Owner Jane Curran encourages shoppers to come in either ahead of time or during Third Thursday to create a wish list in anticipation of the Holiday Stroll on December 3. Kai Olsson will play guitar and refreshments, including "fruit of the vine," will be served.
Hair at Nail It, 20 Main Street, invites shoppers to help celebrate their 15th anniversary with a complimentary wash and blow dry. They will also give a $10 coupon for all new customers.
Pretty Is Pink, 9 Summer Street, invites women and teens to stop in for an evening of leisurely shopping. "After the menu is set, we want you to look your best for Thanksgiving," says owner Lori Rosenberg.
Simon's Furniture, 8 Summer Street, will offer a 20 percent discount off all lamps, pictures and accessories on Third Thursday to help shoppers get their homes ready for the holidays.
The Franklin Downtown Partnership is gearing up for a special event in place of the December Third Thursday. The Holiday Stroll will be Thursday, December 3 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A tree lighting, music Holiday Carolers, Santa, a Craft fair and 30 downtown businesses offering treats and special offers are just some of the fun planned for families that evening.
Get more details at each participating business
So much is happening Downtown/Uptown Franklin
Come join the Fun!
Fall Third Thursday
----
About Franklin Downtown Partnership
The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a commuity based 501 (c) 3 organization, with a mission of revitalizing our downtown, helping to make Franklin a better place to live, work, and shop, and improving the overall life of our community.
Post Office Box 413
Franklin, Massachusetts 02038
Franklin Downtown Partnership
Town Council Mtg Smry 11/18/09
The collection of live reporting posts from the Town Council meeting on Weds 11/18/09 are
- Live reporting - Closing
- Live reporting - Administrators Report
- Live reporting - Action items
- Live reporting - Master plan
- Live reporting - Open Space
- Live reporting - bylaw hearing - part 2
- Live reporting - bylaw hearing
- Live reporting - Action items
- Live reporting - license transfer
- Live reporting - Town Council
In the News - bylaw, aid cuts
Director Bryan Taberner and Assistant Town Planner Nick Alfieri told council the proposed amendment is meant to define and clarify acceptable home occupations.
"We haven't totally changed this, we basically changed the format and some of the words so it's more enforceable," Alfieri said.
The amendment defines a home occupation as a "home-based (business) owned and operated by a full-time resident of a single- or two-family house which can be conducted without the need for a commercial space."
Franklin officials pose home business revision
from The Milford Daily News News RSSMilford superintendent Robert Tremblay and Franklin superintendent Maureen Sabolinski both said they make "conservative" estimates in their budgets for reimbursements. Neither district was significantly affected by the circuit breaker cuts.
BOOSTERS PUCK DROP BASH
FHS Boys Hockey Booster Club
Tickets are NOW ON SALE for the BOOSTERS PUCK DROP BASH!
Cost is $20 per person.
We decided to change things up this year and replace Comedy Night with a social event. The night will include: DJ Bobby Costello, fabulous raffle items, cash bar, appetizers & dessert.
The fundraiser will be held on FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4th at the Franklin Elks, 1077 Pond St from 7pm-midnight.
Please contact Gina Williams at gw13@comcast.net or any Booster member for tickets.
We hope to see you on December 4th!! For more info, visit www.fhspantherhockey.org
Anchorage Road
Public Informational Meeting - Anchorage Road Reconstruction
A public informational meeting will will be held in the Town Council Chambers on Tuesday, November 24, 2009 at 6:30 pm. This meeting will cover the reconstruction and timetable for the project. If you need additional information, please feel free to contact me at (508) 553-5520.
Robert A. Cantoreggi
Director of Public WorksWednesday, November 18, 2009
Live reporting - Closing
New business
Kelly - open hours for Franklin residents, Friday's 9:00 - 11:00 AM
Powderly - update a booklet on what money is available for emergency funds for citizens
Pfeffer - Can we get an accounting on free cash for last year and this year? I would have thought free cash would have been less under the tight budget we have had.
Nutting - there are two factors, one from town budgets that haven't used all their allocated amounts but also from additional revenues that may have been under forecasted.
Zollo - If this class is emblematic of the education being provided to the students at FHS, then the high school is doing well for our students.
Pfeffer - Walgreens is coming along, they are going to maintain it.
Nutting - Yes, they own it, we have an easement to it. They will maintain it.
Jones - FEF Casino fund raiser on Friday night, a great cause
Dec 8th special state primary election 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM
The full election will be on Jan 19th for the US Senate spot to replace Sen Kennedy.
McGann - I saw 5 coyotes in my yard before coming up to the meeting.
Kelly - open hours for Franklin residents, Friday's 9:00 - 11:00 AM
Powderly - update a booklet on what money is available for emergency funds for citizens
Pfeffer - Can we get an accounting on free cash for last year and this year? I would have thought free cash would have been less under the tight budget we have had.
Nutting - there are two factors, one from town budgets that haven't used all their allocated amounts but also from additional revenues that may have been under forecasted.
Zollo - If this class is emblematic of the education being provided to the students at FHS, then the high school is doing well for our students.
Pfeffer - Walgreens is coming along, they are going to maintain it.
Nutting - Yes, they own it, we have an easement to it. They will maintain it.
Jones - FEF Casino fund raiser on Friday night, a great cause
Dec 8th special state primary election 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM
The full election will be on Jan 19th for the US Senate spot to replace Sen Kennedy.
McGann - I saw 5 coyotes in my yard before coming up to the meeting.
Live reporting - Administrators Report
Likely to come back with some budget cuts, Veterans budget is running short, we'll need to front money for the special elections, we will likely get reimbursed for this.
To address the East Street water issue, there are iron water mains in the area. The water is safe to drink.
With declining water revenues due to declining water usage, we'll come back in January with a water/.sewer update.
Q - can that be camera'd?
A - No, we don't have one that small. It is only a 5/8 or 1 inch connection from the main that runs about 25 foot into his house.
Q - How long has this been?
A - It has been like this for year, it got worse when the Fire Station was cut into the main.
Mark Cerel out six to eight weeks for minor surgery
Bath house being constructed at Beaver St, the materials were donated and the labor will be provided by Tri-County
BJ's donated the money to put in the parking lot for the SNETT trail.
Express Line new issue is out. If you haven't subscribed, please do so. The Town website has a sign up process.
Tax rate hearing at next meeting
Gazebo is done, railings need to be painted.
To address the East Street water issue, there are iron water mains in the area. The water is safe to drink.
With declining water revenues due to declining water usage, we'll come back in January with a water/.sewer update.
Q - can that be camera'd?
A - No, we don't have one that small. It is only a 5/8 or 1 inch connection from the main that runs about 25 foot into his house.
Q - How long has this been?
A - It has been like this for year, it got worse when the Fire Station was cut into the main.
Mark Cerel out six to eight weeks for minor surgery
Bath house being constructed at Beaver St, the materials were donated and the labor will be provided by Tri-County
BJ's donated the money to put in the parking lot for the SNETT trail.
Express Line new issue is out. If you haven't subscribed, please do so. The Town website has a sign up process.
Tax rate hearing at next meeting
Gazebo is done, railings need to be painted.
Live reporting - Action items
picking up on the action items started earlier
Motion to approve, passed 8-0, 1 abstain
Endorsement of Five Year Financial Outlook
WHEREAS, The Town Council, elected on November 3, 2009, hereby endorses the Five Year Financial Outlook (FY 2010 to FY 2014), as presented in the final report of the Long-Range Financial Planning Committee, dated October 15, 2009. This endorsement is based on the belief in the following:
• The information regarding the Town’s finances (past, present, and future) appears fair and balanced, free from discernable bias and complete in all material respects.
• Franklin has been prudent and resourceful in its spending and allocation of resources
• The report confirms the ongoing fiscal concerns that Town officials have been communicating.
• The Town faces a structural deficit that we can reasonably expect to continue for the foreseeable future; accordingly, projected deficits in the future could be significant.
• The question of school/municipal services or higher property taxes will be an ongoing concern for the community to address.
• Town officials and residents should view this matter with urgency and continue to address the Town’s financial challenges using proactive methodology.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE TOWN COUNCIL endorses the Five Year Financial Outlook (FY 2010 to FY 2014), as presented in the final report of the Long-Range Financial Planning Committee, dated October 15, 2009.
This Resolution shall become effective according to the rules and regulations of the Town of Franklin Home Rule Charter.
Motion to approve, 9-0
Motion to move to second reading, passed 9-0
2. Resolution 09-72: Acceptance of Gift – Senior CenterKelly abstaining as Rotarian and writer of the grant
Motion to approve, passed 8-0, 1 abstain
3. Resolution 09-73: Endorsement of the Five Year Financial Outlook ReportThe text of the resolution is as follows:
Endorsement of Five Year Financial Outlook
WHEREAS, The Town Council, elected on November 3, 2009, hereby endorses the Five Year Financial Outlook (FY 2010 to FY 2014), as presented in the final report of the Long-Range Financial Planning Committee, dated October 15, 2009. This endorsement is based on the belief in the following:
• The information regarding the Town’s finances (past, present, and future) appears fair and balanced, free from discernable bias and complete in all material respects.
• Franklin has been prudent and resourceful in its spending and allocation of resources
• The report confirms the ongoing fiscal concerns that Town officials have been communicating.
• The Town faces a structural deficit that we can reasonably expect to continue for the foreseeable future; accordingly, projected deficits in the future could be significant.
• The question of school/municipal services or higher property taxes will be an ongoing concern for the community to address.
• Town officials and residents should view this matter with urgency and continue to address the Town’s financial challenges using proactive methodology.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE TOWN COUNCIL endorses the Five Year Financial Outlook (FY 2010 to FY 2014), as presented in the final report of the Long-Range Financial Planning Committee, dated October 15, 2009.
This Resolution shall become effective according to the rules and regulations of the Town of Franklin Home Rule Charter.
Motion to approve, 9-0
4. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 09-637: Amendment to Chapter 185-3. Definitions – 1st Readingmotion to waive the reading, passed 9-0
Motion to move to second reading, passed 9-0
5. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 09-638: Amendment to Chapter 185-39. Uses Accessory to Dwelling – 1st Reading
Motion to move to second reading
Motion to move to second reading, passed 9-0
Live reporting - Master plan
Beth Dahlstrom, Bryan Taberner
copy of report to be obtained and added later
copy of report to be obtained and added later
Live reporting - Open Space
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS -
1. Reports on the Open Space & Recreation Plan and the Master Plan – Beth Dahlstrom, Town PlannerBeth Dahlstrom, Bryan Taberner
The presentation copy is here:
Franklin Open Space Summary Presentation
View more documents from Steve Sherlock.
The 2008 Open Space and Recreation Plan can be found on the Town website
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Planning/2008plan
Copy of presentation to be added later
The Green Communities Act as referenced can be found here
The State has granted an extension of the five year plan to be implemented over seven years.
Q - Thanks for including the public in obtaining feedback. Is there any budget impact for these action items?
A - Yes, there is potential for budget but that would require coming back here for approval and include what ever other Town departments approval would be required.
Jeff adds that we do have 1.7 million in our Open Space and Recreation account for purchase of open space that comes onto the market. If there is something simple we can do, we will. We can also utilize scouting projects and other volunteer efforts to accomplish some of these items.
Live reporting - bylaw hearing - part 2
Bryan Taberner, Nick Alfieri
This is the follow on to the definitions bylaw as just discussed
motion to close the hearing
motion to move to first reading, passed 9-0
F. HEARINGS - 7:10 PM
2. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 09-638: Amendment to Chapter 185-39. Uses Accessory to Dwelling
This is the follow on to the definitions bylaw as just discussed
motion to close the hearing
motion to move to first reading, passed 9-0
Live reporting - bylaw hearing
F. HEARINGS - 7:10 PM
1. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 09-637: Amendment to Chapter 185-3. Definitions
Bryan Taberner, Nick Alfieri
The Planning Board has not voted on these yet. Jeff Nutting recommends moving as far as a second reading but no further until the Planning Board has acted.
Q - on 3rd family is it included?
A - if it is not mentioned, it is not allowed.
Q - Follow up questions on multi-use like condo units.
A - We trying to restrict the amount of activity in a residential neighborhood, in a condo situation there is more traffic in those areas anyway. we are trying to make the by-law easier to read, understand and enforce.
Q - What is the intent of the by-law?
A - When people buy into a residential neighborhood, they don't expect to find someone running a business out of their house next door and allow for some non-intrusive businesses (i.e cost accountant, piano teacher, etc.).
Q - Why is this coming before us?
A - The building inspector and board of health inspector have found issues where these regulations make it hard to enforce. So we have re-written this to make it clearer and easier to understand.
Q - So by not mentioning other than the one-two family homes, they are not allowed?
A - Yes, 95% of by-law enforcement is complaint based. The condo association would likely get involved before we would.
Motion to close hearing, seconded
Motion to move to first reading, passed 9-0
Live reporting - Action items
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 09-71: Adoption of Council Proceduresmotion to amend to coincide with the two year terms of the Council, passed 9-0 (Zollo arrived)
motion to approve, passed 9-0
Live reporting - license transfer
G. LICENSE TRANSACTION
Transfer of All Alcoholic Beverages Package Store License – Dacey’s MarketMotion to approve - passed 8-0
Live reporting - Town Council
Attending: Jones, Kelly, Vallee, Whalen, Mason, Pfeffer, McGann, Powderly
Missing: Zollo
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - none
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS - Councilors Forum at Senior Center
School Committee invited Councilors for a tour of the school facilities
School Committee invited Councilors for a tour of the school facilities
Committee subcommittee announcements (to be added later)
Strategic Planning Committee changes (to be added later)
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS - none
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
Robert Jarvis returned to complain about the water filters being changed
E. APPOINTMENTS - Library Board of Directors
Motion to approve Monique Doyle, passed 8-0
Town Council - Agenda - 11/18/09
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
E. APPOINTMENTS - Library Board of Directors
F. HEARINGS - 7:10 PM
1. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 09-637: Amendment to Chapter 185-3. Definitions
2. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 09-638: Amendment to Chapter 185-39. Uses Accessory to Dwelling
G. LICENSE TRANSACTION
Transfer of All Alcoholic Beverages Package Store License – Dacey’s Market
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS -
1. Reports on the Open Space & Recreation Plan and the Master Plan – Beth Dahlstrom, Town Planner
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 09-71: Adoption of Council Procedures
2. Resolution 09-72: Acceptance of Gift – Senior Center
3. Resolution 09-73: Endorsement of the Five Year Financial Outlook Report
4. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 09-637: Amendment to Chapter 185-3. Definitions – 1st Reading
5. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 09-638: Amendment to Chapter 185-39. Uses Accessory to Dwelling – 1st Reading
K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
L. OLD BUSINESS
M. NEW BUSINESS
N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
O. EXECUTIVE SESSION – Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required
P. ADJOURN
School Committee Mtg 11/17/09
The collection of live reported posts covering the School Committee meeting on Tuesday November 17 can be found here:
- Live reporting - Administration update and closing...
- Live reporting - Action Items
- Live reporting - discussion only items
- Live reporting - 5 minute break
- Live reporting - Capital budget Q&A
- Live reporting - Technology budget proposal
- Live reporting - MCAS Q&A
- Live reporting - MCAS Report 2009
- Live reporting - MASS Awards
- Live reporting - School Committee
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