Live reporting - Housing

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS

• Municipal Affordable Housing Trust, Christopher Vericker
info on new project starting to buy and sell housing for affordable buyers

mini team together, something formal being prepared
alert the realtors of this option
the Town would be a cash buyer to help sellers

Nutting - funding source for affordable housing Trust, from two developers who didn't want to develop affordable housing as part of their plan
payments from one of them still coming
formula set by Government based upon members of the household and income
it should be cheaper than otherwise

Bissanti - revitalization?
Nutting - we would prefer not to get into that aspect because then it becomes a construction project

Padula - deed restrictions forever?
Cerel - yes, as long as you apply with the process when it is set up

Live reporting - Ladybug project

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
• Franklin Cultural Council, Claire Griffin

 to be added

Ladybugs Spots from Franklin Matters

Live reporting - Town Council - Jan 22, 2014

Present: Feldman, Padula, Mercer, Kelly, Vallee, Pfeffer, Jones, Bissanti, Williams
Absent:  none


A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
December 11, 2014
motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by Franklin Matters.

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
none

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
none

E. APPOINTMENTS
Library Board of Directors - Doug Newton
motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0 (Feldman arrived)

F. HEARINGS
none

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
none

Munroe Family fundraiser - Sunday, Feb 9th - 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Yard sale at the Franklin VFW, Sunday, Feb 9th

Monroe Family Fund raiser - Yard Sale

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Jan 22, 2014

Assuming the meeting doesn't get canceled due to the snow storm, this would be the scheduled agenda


A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
December 11, 2014

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by Franklin Matters.

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS

E. APPOINTMENTS
Library Board of Directors - Doug Newton

F. HEARINGS

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
• Franklin Cultural Council, Claire Griffin
• Municipal Affordable Housing Trust, Christopher Vericker

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 14-05: Appropriation: Fire Detail Account
2. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-726: Amendment to §185, Attachment 9. Schedule of Lot, Area, Frontage, Yard, and Height Requirements – 2nd Reading- Requires 2/3 Vote
3. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 14-728: Changes to §185-5 Zoning Map- Referral to Planning Board

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

L. OLD BUSINESS

M. NEW BUSINESS

N. COUNCIL COMMENTS

O. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Collective Bargaining – Fire Union

P. ADJOURN

The set of documents released for this agenda can be found here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2014/012214.pdf

One Book, One Community: "In the Heart of the Sea"

The Franklin Public Library is pleased to announce the One Book, One Community town-wide read for 2014, In the Heart of the Sea, the Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex by Nathaniel Philbrick. The 2014 One Book, One Community Franklin Kids Read is Revenge of the Whale: The True Story of the Whaleship Essex, adapted for younger readers from the National Book Award winner In the Heart of the Sea.

In the Heart of the Sea

More info on the book from the wikipedia page
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In_the_Heart_of_the_Sea

There is a movie based upon the book directed by Ron Howard scheduled for release in March
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In_the_Heart_of_the_Sea_(film)

Read more on the Franklin Library page here
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2014/01/one-book-one-community.html

Lifelong Learning: Music programs

Lifelong Learning offers several music programs that complement and supplement instruction during the traditional school day. These programs include the Private Music Lesson program, The String School of Franklin, the After School 4th/5th Grade Band and the 4th/5th Grade Honors Chorus. On Tuesday, January 28, the strings, band and chorus programs will host their mid-year recital.

Horace Mann Middle School Band from Memorial Day parade 2013

For more information on the music programs available from Lifelong Learning
http://lifelonglearningfps.blogspot.com/2014/01/january-21-2014.html

and to register on the Lifelong Learning page here
http://cfweb.smartedu.net/lll/

Franklin Schools Closed - Wed Jan 22

A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

Hello 

All Franklin Public Schools will be closed on Wednesday due to the storm. All offices are closed as well. 

Stay Safe 

Maureen Sabolinski

This e-mail has been sent to you by FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message. If you wish to discontinue this service, please inform FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT either IN PERSON, by US MAIL, or by TELEPHONE at 508-613-1777.

Franklin Municipal  Building

NationalGrid: Winter Storm Warning

To view this email as a web page, click here.

Winter Storm Warning National Grid is preparing for yet another winter storm that is expected to bring freezing temperatures to our regions. Our crews and personnel are ready to respond should there be any outages. If you experience a power outage, you can report it by visiting our website or by calling 1-800-465-1212. While storm preparations are important, so too is the safety of our customers and employees. We would like to advise customers to be prepared as high winds, heavy snow and ice can pose a serious safety risk. With driving conditions expected to be potentially treacherous, we also urge particular caution when driving around crew work locations, especially where visibility might be limited by blowing snow. To ensure your safety, please make note of the following tips: Never touch downed power lines, and always assume that any fallen lines are live electric wires. If you see one, report it immediately to National Grid or your local emergency response organization. People who depend on electric-powered life support equipment, such as a respirator, should let National Grid know. To register as a life support customer, call the company's Customer Service Center at 1-800-322-3223. If you use a generator to supply power during an outage, be sure to operate it outdoors. Before operating generators, disconnect from National Grid's system by shutting off the main breaker located in the electric service panel. Failure to do this could jeopardize the safety of line crews and the public. Power outages can sometimes interrupt public water supply systems or disable well pumps, so it's an especially good idea to keep a supply of bottled drinking water handy, as well as some canned food. Check on elderly family members, neighbors and others who may need assistance during an outage period. We expect the extreme cold to linger over the next several days and want our customers to be aware of the dangers of cold stress or hypothermia. Cold stress, or hypothermia, occurs when exposure to extreme cold temperatures causes the body's temperature to fall below 95 degrees. Seek medical attention if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms: Skin that is cool to the touch Violent shivering Difficulty in speaking or moving Slowed breathing Drowsiness Sudden change in appearance or behavior Puffy or swollen face Trembling in arm, leg or one side of body Cold and stiff muscles Difficulty with coordination and balance The following tips help to minimize potential cold stress: Dress properly Layer loose-fitting clothing Wear mittens instead of gloves Wear a hat and a scarf Avoid alcohol — it can increase your body's heat loss Remember that certain drugs can increase risk by affecting the body's ability to regulate its temperature Stay connected In addition to email alerts, National Grid offers a variety of ways to stay informed during the storm: Receive text message alerts and updates when you text the word STORM to NGRID (64743). Download the National Grid app which can be found in the Apple and GooglePlay stores. The app will allow you to report and check the status of your outage, view outage maps, access important safety tips and more. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram; we post all the latest storm and restoration updates. National Grid Here with you. Here for you.   Connect Now Visit us online at ngrid.com/

This email was sent by: National Grid 40 Sylvan Road Waltham, MA, 02451, U.S.A.

Public Meeting on Emmon St Building -> Canceled Tonight

Good Morning:

The public meeting regarding the Emmons Street property is canceled tonight due to expected snow.

It will be rescheduled at a later date.

Emmon St building - flag wrapped in wind

New FHS - Jan 2014

FHS - Jan 2014, a set on Flickr.

Sunday was a good day to walk around Franklin with my camera. I had not been to the high school in a while so I wanted to see how complete the brickwork and exterior was.

Draft - Franklin School Calendar for 2014-15

The draft school calendar for the 2014-15 school year is available for review and discussion. It is currently scheduled for approval at the School Committee meeting on Jan 28th.

While the school calendar started early this year, one main reason was for school to end early and help with the move from the old high school to the new. Next year's calendar was scheduled to start late (i.e. after Labor Day) to enable more time for the move and settling into the new high school. Labor Day falls on Sep 1 this year!

You can view the proposed calendar here





Or go to the School Department webpage here
http://franklindistrict.vt-s.net/Pages/FranklinDistrict_News/01C6DD65-000F8513

Report card changes coming to elementary schools

Report card changes that were supposed to implemented this school year have been moved out to next year. So parents should be aware that the report card format currently used does not align with the standards being taught in the classrooms. Parents should participate in one of the forums being scheduled to review the proposed changes to the report card.




Parent Meeting Schedule
Oak and Kennedy = Jan 22, 6:30 PM (at Oak St Library)
Keller and Davis Thayer = Jan 30, 6:30 PM (at Keller Library)
Jefferson and Parmenter = Feb 6, 6:30 PM (at Parmenter Library)
Weather date (if needed) = Feb 12, 6:30 PM (TBD)


The letter to the parents was posted to the Franklin Schools webpage here
http://franklindistrict.vt-s.net/Pages/FranklinDistrict_News/01C5CCDE-000F8513

Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee : 2014 Annual Appeal

January 2014 We are writing today to ask for your renewed support for the Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee (FBRTC), a grassroots organization of volunteers dedicated to developing the Southern New England Trunkline Trail, an abandoned railroad line into a universally accessible recreational trail in our community. Over the past year, many exciting events have been happening with the Committee and with the development of the rail trail. In particular, the FBRTC: Hosted a number of events, including a trail cleanup day, a guided bike tour of the SNETT from Franklin to Blackstone, and an Autumn nature hike for children and adults. Participated in a meeting with DCR, Representatives Roy (Franklin) and Kuros (Bellingham), Franklin Town Officials, YMCA staff, and Franklin Downtown Partnership representatives to discuss the Prospect Street crossing/tunnel. Staff informational tables at local events to increase awareness of the trail Worked to stop the use of motor vehicle use on the trail. The FBRTC is a volunteer organization comprised of local citizens and local officials who care about our community and who are dedicated to developing a recreational trail that is universally accessible for all activities and generations. I hope you feel, as we do, that the trail is a tremendous asset, and when fully developed, it will improve the livability of our communities. Your annual tax-deductible membership contribution will provide you with a voice in the rail trail effort, and help the FBRTC continue to advocate, develop, and educate citizens and public officials about the trail. Please take a few minutes to renew online at www.FranklinBellinghamRailTrail.org/support. Thank you. Sincerely, Marc Kaplan, Chair David Labonte, Vice Chair Mark McKeown, Treasurer Theresa Tomaino, Secretary Charles Maurer, Assistant Secretary p.s. Check our calendar of events for our January 26 wine tasting... Follow us on Facebook Visit us online FBRTC Wine Tasting Poor Richard's Wine and Spirits January 26th, 2013 Read more 4nd Annual Road Race - Saturday, May 3, 2014 Read more FBRTC Installs No Motor Vehical Sign Read more

Join & Support | Contact Us | Forward this email Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee

This email was sent to shersteve@gmail.com why did I get this?    unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee · PO Box 68 · Franklin, Ma 02038 · USA

--
Stephen Sherlock

Chair, Board of Directors (volunteer) for Franklin Food Pantry

Community Information Director (volunteer) for FranklinMAtters.org/ 

http://www.linkedin.com/in/stephensherlock

Reminder: the Holiday delays trash/recycle pickups one day this week

Monday, January 20 is a Federal holiday so trash and recycling pickup will be on a one day delay from your scheduled pick up day.

trash/recycle lined up for pickup

Waste Management had put additional resources to catching up from the problem pickups and did recover. This should be a 'normal' one day offset week. Note that the DPW sent a voice message that if you still have extra trash, you can put out the extra bags this week without a penalty for pickup.

Editorial: Resolving the Library dispute

In my role as the self-appointed Community Information Director, I present the details and leave the opinions aside. For the Library Board of Directors vs. Friends of the Library issue, this has gone on long enough and I can no longer sit idle on the sideline.

When the Library Board of Directors canceled the Book Sale run by the Friends of the Library, this was the ultimate move in a disintegrating relationship. The bi-annual book sale which raised about $10-20,000 per year was no more. The event held at the DPW that was a great community gathering was no longer. The Library proceeded to conduct their own regular and now a monthly book sale to raise funds in lieu of what the Friends would have been providing.

I attended the Board of Directors meeting in September. I also attended the Friends of the Library (FOFL) meeting this January. While there have been some personnel changes on both sides, the discussion doesn't seem to be making progress. During this recent FOFL meeting, no matter which side was leading the conversation, it would go down one of the rat holes of he-said/she-said with disappointing body language exhibited by the other side.

In the he-said/she-said, there is disagreement about timeliness of delivery of funds from the Friends to the Library, and there is disagreement about information requested by the Friends and not provided by the Library as an example of some of the issues. There is more but suffice to say, there is no point in trying to resolve this he-said/she-said.

Suffice to say there when some one plays in the mud, everyone gets dirty. Both sides have room to improve their behavior.

It is time to for both parties (Library Board and FOFL) to put the past aside. The real issue is the Library budget over the years. There is not sufficient funding for the Library to operate the way it used to or the way it should. For both sides to continue to squabble over the $10-20,000 from the book sale diverts attention from the real issue.

The people of Franklin need a library that functions well, is open for convenient hours, and provides appropriate services to meet the needs of the library users. The needs will change as technology changes. There will be need for less hardcover books and more ebooks for example.

The chart below shows the total Franklin Library budget from fiscal year 2005 through 2014. The peak year was in fiscal 2008 at $925,000. This year's budget is $237,000 less and both sides are arguing about $10-20,000? Come one, get real. Ten years of maximum book sales don't make up this years delta from the peak.

Franklin Library Budget History - total dollars FY 2006 - 2014

Frankly, the $10-20,000 is insignificant compared to the real budget issue. The budget currently covers the only the daily operating expenses.

• What about the library renovations? That will need to come from the Franklin capital budget or perhaps the bonding capability that Franklin has. The proposal needs to be reviewed, discussed and supported. This seems to be on schedule for some time in March.
• What about digitizing the archives of microfiche? Where will that money come from? Are there collections that Franklin has that others would like access to?
• What about taking care of the original set of books from Benjamin Franklin that started the library as the first free and public library in USA? Do we really want our legacy and possibly most treasured possession to be "None of those books will ever be read again"? If you missed that story from November you can read it here http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/none-of-those-books-will-ever-be-read.html

I respectfully encourage Franklin residents, taxpayers, and voters to talk with the members of Board of Directors AND the Friends of the Franklin Library. The next time you see one of them around town, tell them to put aside the past once and for all. Let's get on with solving the real mission of the library: providing a worthy resource center for all of Franklin residents young and old!

Let's not leave Ben wondering if he really did the right thing!

Benjamin Franklin statue outside Franklin Public Library

Information about both the Library Board of Directors and the Friends of the Franklin Library can be found here  http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Library/about

Video tour of the new Franklin High School

From Pantherbook, you can take a student lead and produced tour of the new Franklin High School currently under construction. The video was put together by FHS students and finished in November 2013, posted to Pantherbook on Saturday.

Nice job!





The new school is going to an amazing facility that Franklin will be proud of.

Visit Pantherbook here http://pantherbook.org/

The video appears to have been recorded in late Oct or early November given the construction status of the building exterior. I compared the photo of Principal Peter Light in the opening of the video with photos of the same location in October and November.

My full collection of posts on the high school with an almost monthly set of photos can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/12/collection-high-school-building-project.html

Public Meeting: Emmons St Building

So many of you have great ideas for the future use of the downtown Emmons Street property.  Please come and be part of the discussion!

See details below:

Tuesday, Jan 21, 2014

7:00 PM

Franklin Municipal Building 355 East Central St

3rd Floor Training Room