Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Live reporting - Legislation for Action
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 14:06: Acceptance of Gift – Franklin Public Library
Maria Lucier - President of Friends of Franklin Library
Established a scholarship in name of Wilma Winters
$1000 to FHS senior, part of consideration is an essay
now part of the MA Association of Friends of the Library
$184,000 donated since 2005; covering areas for where the budget is not covered
motion to approve, seconded - passed 8-0
2. Resolution 14-07: Revoke Civil Service – Fire Department
motion to approve, seconded
since 1975 various groups have been exempted from civil service
the long exception currently is the Fire Dept
we do have a legal obligation to negotiate with the Fire Union
The union had said they did not want to negotiate until the Council revokes
it is a difficult and tedious human resources process
over 200 folks took the test recently
every grandfathered who exists, would only affect future hires
Mercer - proud of men and women that work for the Fire Dept
all of the other unions have changed, I don't see a downside to this
the system is over 100 years old
directed to negotiate sustainable contracts, we don;'t want to eliminate positions
new contracts needed to contain different structures for new employees, the others have agreed to this
we are waiting for the fire union to make this agreement
as the last union
I would respectfully request that both sides return to the bargaining table to resolve this
Donovan - I disagree with de-valuing our job
I don't see someone coming on the job and being paid less than someone next to you on the line
everyone who has done this, causes problems done the road
whether you like unions or not, that is not the issue
mandatory overtime, short staffed
next 6-7 years three-quarters of the department would be gone
I don't see the few jobs that are out there will make the difference
we have to depend on each other
I think it is unfortunate that they made that choice
the nuts and bolts of each contract is different
Kelly - If it is hose that you need or equipment, I'd be first to get it for you
Pfeffer - do we have coverage?
McCarragher - we are at nine tonight, no one was taken off to come here tonight
Bissanti - Question on the process, it doesn't fall on deaf ears. Maybe special consideration should be made?
Nutting - we bargain how to implement the decision, there is no right to bargain over the civil service itself
Bissanti - I heard a compelling argument to keep it but then things change, it is not costing us anything. This should not be stopping our fire fighters from going forward. I haven't heard a compelling argument has been made. I can't see it
Jones - Councilor Mercer has stated all the facts, I concur with Councilors Kelly and Bissanti. My own union has been facing changes like this and we have overcome them. It is my hope that we can get over this and get to negotiation to resolve this. I think you do a great job.
Passed 8-0 via roll call
3. Resolution 14-08: The Woodlands-Approval of Modification (Amendment) to Regulatory Agreement
motion to waive reading, seconded
motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0
this was to resolve the legal matters around a bankruptcy
4. Bylaw Amendment 14-727: Amendment to Chapter 47, Alcoholic Beverages – 2nd Reading
motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0
formalize a past practice for treating liquor violations in a fair and consistent fashion
typically see compliance checks not the course of business violations
those are taken care of in a different section here
The ABC is not thrilled with compliance checks
in the course of the last appeal,the ABC was looking for written guidelines
good to see, can provide to the license owners so they will know
if adopted, this will be sent to all licenses holders
good to have a baseline to start with, does not change the Councils ability to deviate as necessary
Passed 8-0 via roll call
5. Bylaw Amendment 14-729: Amendment to Chapter 179-9.1, Exhibit A, Water System Map - 2nd Reading
motion to approve, seconded,
amended to include the memo from the Town Engineer for what the developer has agreed to for compliance
Passed 8-0 via roll call
6. Bylaw Amendment 14-730: Amendment to Chapter 139-14, Exhibit A, Sewer System Map – 2nd Reading
Passed 8-0 via roll call
Live reporting - 5 year Financial Forecast
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
Financial Forecast – Jeffrey Nutting
draft provided earlier, not changed from draft
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/02/franklin-ma-five-year-fiscal-forecast.html
full report is online
(will provide link when available)
unfunded liability is almost as big as our annual budget ($86M vs $100M)
Franklin not alone in facing this issue
need to continue to lobby for change of outmoded and expensive laws
Live reporting: Town Council - Feb 12, 2014
Present: Feldman, Mercer, Kelly, Vallee, Pfeffer, Jones, Bissanti, Williams
Absent: Padula
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
January 29, 2014- Workshop;
January 22, 2014 - Executive Session
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
Bob Donovan - Franklin Fire Dept - speaking in oppose the motion to removing the Fire Fighters from Civil Service; surprised by the agenda item, under negotiation for current contract; police have language but it may not fit the fire fighters situation. Haven't had the change to talk about it. Civil service is a huge item.
The impact of the passage would have to be negotiated. There are a lot of others things going on with the contract, civil service is not a topic there. There are a lot of liabilities to go along with the civil Service process. Let's work it out before you take it away.
On behalf of the membership, the fire fighters are against removing civil services
E. APPOINTMENTS
none
F. HEARINGS
none
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
none
Absent: Padula
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
January 29, 2014- Workshop;
January 22, 2014 - Executive Session
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
Bob Donovan - Franklin Fire Dept - speaking in oppose the motion to removing the Fire Fighters from Civil Service; surprised by the agenda item, under negotiation for current contract; police have language but it may not fit the fire fighters situation. Haven't had the change to talk about it. Civil service is a huge item.
The impact of the passage would have to be negotiated. There are a lot of others things going on with the contract, civil service is not a topic there. There are a lot of liabilities to go along with the civil Service process. Let's work it out before you take it away.
On behalf of the membership, the fire fighters are against removing civil services
E. APPOINTMENTS
none
F. HEARINGS
none
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
none
Franklin Schools: Weather Update - decision Thursday morning
A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
February 12, 2014
Dear Parent/Guardians /Faculty/Students:
Current weather forecasts suggest that Franklin will experience another winter storm beginning on Thursday, February 13th during the morning hours and may continue until Friday, February 14th. We have been monitoring the changing forecast and all we can be sure of is there will be snow, ice, rain and wind. We are also concerned about the potential loss of power. Due to a variety of safety factors we do not plan to bring students in and then dismiss early. AS a community with a number of working parents and the changeable conditions across the state we feel this option is not advisable for students, staff or parents. Additionally, keeping school parking lots clear of cars and traffic will facilitate a more efficient cleanup for DPW.
Based on the current forecast we will make our decision by 5:30 a.m. on Thursday. We will monitor the weather reports, confer with public safety officials and make the best decision with the available information. We will initiate our Connect Ed message at 5:30 a.m. and post messages on all major television stations. We will also post a message on our website. If school is not canceled, parents as always maintain the right to keep children home. If you make this decision please contact the school and let them know.
As we look to Friday, February 14th the timing of the storm may impact our opening. If we need to implement a delayed opening we will use Connect Ed messaging and place the message on all major television networks.
Several parents have inquired as to the last day of school and as of today it is June 19 (this reflects 3 snow days. As per MA General Law we are required to complete 180 school days and the school year must end on June 30. We have seven days left to use for inclement weather.
Our goal is always to open school but our priority is safety for all students and staff.
Stay Safe,
Maureen Sabolinski
February 12, 2014
Dear Parent/Guardians /Faculty/Students:
Current weather forecasts suggest that Franklin will experience another winter storm beginning on Thursday, February 13th during the morning hours and may continue until Friday, February 14th. We have been monitoring the changing forecast and all we can be sure of is there will be snow, ice, rain and wind. We are also concerned about the potential loss of power. Due to a variety of safety factors we do not plan to bring students in and then dismiss early. AS a community with a number of working parents and the changeable conditions across the state we feel this option is not advisable for students, staff or parents. Additionally, keeping school parking lots clear of cars and traffic will facilitate a more efficient cleanup for DPW.
Based on the current forecast we will make our decision by 5:30 a.m. on Thursday. We will monitor the weather reports, confer with public safety officials and make the best decision with the available information. We will initiate our Connect Ed message at 5:30 a.m. and post messages on all major television stations. We will also post a message on our website. If school is not canceled, parents as always maintain the right to keep children home. If you make this decision please contact the school and let them know.
As we look to Friday, February 14th the timing of the storm may impact our opening. If we need to implement a delayed opening we will use Connect Ed messaging and place the message on all major television networks.
Several parents have inquired as to the last day of school and as of today it is June 19 (this reflects 3 snow days. As per MA General Law we are required to complete 180 school days and the school year must end on June 30. We have seven days left to use for inclement weather.
Our goal is always to open school but our priority is safety for all students and staff.
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.
![]() |
The Winter St sign appropriately from 'Nemo' in Feb 2012 |
Storm warning: Parking Ban Activated
PARKING BAN ACTIVATED 02/12/2014
URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TAUNTON MA
1018 AM EST WED FEB 12 2014
...STRONG WINTER STORM TO IMPACT SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND THURSDAY
INTO FRIDAY MORNING...
MAZ006-013-122330-
/O.CON.KBOX.WS.A.0005.140213T1200Z-140214T1200Z/
WESTERN ESSEX MA-WESTERN NORFOLK MA-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...LAWRENCE...FOXBORO...NORWOOD
1018 AM EST WED FEB 12 2014
...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY MORNING
THROUGH FRIDAY MORNING...
* LOCATIONS...INCLUDE WESTERN ESSEX AND WESTERN NORFOLK COUNTIES.
* HAZARD TYPES...LOCALLY HEAVY SNOW CHANGING TO RAIN.
* ACCUMULATIONS...SNOW ACCUMULATION OF 4 TO 6 INCHES...ALONG
WITH AROUND A TRACE OF ICE.
* TIMING...SNOW DEVELOPING THURSDAY MORNING BECOMING HEAVY AT
TIMES BEFORE CHANGING TO RAIN THURSDAY AFTERNOON.
* IMPACTS...TRAVEL WILL BE DIFFICULT THURSDAY INTO THURSDAY
NIGHT.
* WINDS...NORTH 15 TO 25 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 45 MPH.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A WINTER STORM WATCH IS ISSUED FOR THE POTENTIAL OF ACCUMULATING
SNOW OF 6 OR MORE INCHES IN A 12 HOUR PERIOD...OR 8 OR MORE
INCHES IN A 24 HOUR PERIOD. ANYONE TRAVELING IN THE NEXT 24 TO
36 HOURS SHOULD MONITOR LATER FORECASTS AND BE PREPARED TO MODIFY
TRAVEL PLANS SHOULD WINTER WEATHER DEVELOP.
______________________________________________
You are subscribed to the Franklin Police News and Announcements mailing list.
To unsubscribe from this list:
Send an email to Franklinma_policenews-unsubscribe@mm.windigicert.com
You will receive an email with further instructions to unsubscribe from this mailing list.
Valentine's exhibit at Franklin Historical Museum
I managed to stop by the Franklin Historical Museum on Sunday to grab some photos of the Valentine's exhibit now on display throughout the month of February.
The display includes:
With Valentine's Day this Friday, the museum is not open. It is open on Saturday (10:00 AM to 1:00 PM) and on Sunday (from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM).
You can also follow the Historical Museum on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/FHM02038
or visit their webpage here http://www.franklinhistoricalmuseum.com/
The display includes:
![]() |
how Valentine's Day originated |
![]() |
samples of early Franklin Valentine's |
![]() |
samples of Valentine expressions |
With Valentine's Day this Friday, the museum is not open. It is open on Saturday (10:00 AM to 1:00 PM) and on Sunday (from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM).
You can also follow the Historical Museum on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/FHM02038
or visit their webpage here http://www.franklinhistoricalmuseum.com/
MassBudget: Job Growth Unrelated to States' Tipped Minimum Wage
|
"create an ultimate map for all four towns"
The Milford Daily News catches up to the CIC grant awarded last week:
Read the full article here: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140212/NEWS/140218950/1994/NEWS#sthash.AjgFE7JW.dpuf
The story appeared here on Saturday
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/02/regional-dispatch-center-receives.html
Franklin Fire Chief Gary McCarraher, who traveled to the State House last Thursday to collect the grant, said it is common for individual towns to have GIS maps. But this grant will be used to create an ultimate map for all four towns, a true innovation.
"This would allow us to create a master map so each community can share information," McCarraher said. "Eventually that information will get piped from the dispatch center into the cab of the emergency vehicle that’s responding."
He said the system proves helpful because there may be firefighters responding to a community they may not be familiar with.
"The whole idea of dispatch is rapidly sending resources to the right address, so what this does is, if you call 911, regardless of where you call from, your information will show up on the map," he said. "There will be no need for the dispatcher to ask, ‘Can you give me that address again?’ Or, ‘What’s the location of the closest hydrant?’ All of that will be in front of them. And that’s powerful."
Read the full article here: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140212/NEWS/140218950/1994/NEWS#sthash.AjgFE7JW.dpuf
The story appeared here on Saturday
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/02/regional-dispatch-center-receives.html
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School (Video)
Just in the new enrollment video created by the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public school. The enrollment deadline is Monday, February 24th.
The online application is available HERE: http://bfccps.org/about/enrollment/enrollment-application/
The online application is available HERE: http://bfccps.org/about/enrollment/enrollment-application/
For more about the school visit them on the web here http://bfccps.org/
The Likable Shady Guy - February 2014 Edition
View this on the web Click here |
|
Shades IN Place | 76 Grove St | Franklin | MA | 02038
|
"law enforcement can’t take all of the credit"
Milford Daily News writes:
Franklin is the safest city in the country with a population of 25,000 or more people, according to a website that tracks data culled from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and other law enforcement agencies.
For the past three years, Franklin has ranked at or close to the top of NeighborhoodScout.com’s list of 100 safest cities in the country. Both this year and last, the town of 33,182 people ranked first. In 2012, Franklin was second after Bergenfield, N.J., which has a population of just over 27,000 people.
In compiling its list, the website purports to collect raw statistics from 17,000 law enforcement agencies in the country.
"Once we have this complete and accurate count of crimes for every city in the nation, our analysis takes the total crimes for each city with 25,000 or more people, and divides them by the population of the city, divided by 1,000," according to the website. "This establishes a total crime rate per 1,000 population that is used to compare every city."Read the full article at: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140211/NEWS/140219494#sthash.v1jBCRf0.dpuf
![]() |
Franklin, MA: Municipal Building |
Monday, February 10, 2014
Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Feb 12, 2014
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
January 29, 2014- Workshop; January 22, 2014 - Executive Session
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
F. HEARINGS
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
Financial Forecast – Jeffrey Nutting
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 14:06: Acceptance of Gift – Franklin Public Library
2. Resolution 14-07: Revoke Civil Service – Fire Department
3. Resolution 14-08: The Woodlands-Approval of Modification (Amendment) to Regulatory Agreement
4. Bylaw Amendment 14-727: Amendment to Chapter 47, Alcoholic Beverages – 2nd Reading
5. Bylaw Amendment 14-729: Amendment to Chapter 179-9.1, Exhibit A, Water System Map - 2nd Reading
6. Bylaw Amendment 14-730: Amendment to Chapter 139-14, Exhibit A, Sewer System Map – 2nd 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
![]() |
Franklin, MA: Municipal Building |
The full set of documents as released for this agenda can be found here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2014/021214.pdf
Random Smile - Annual Gala Event - March 1, 2014
Rhode Island Convention Center
6pm - Midnight
$85 per person
Semi-Formal/Black Tie Optional
Hot and Cold Hors D’oeuvres
Silent and Live Auctions
Dinner and Dancing
Live Music by The Grab Brothers Band
*Block of rooms at Omni Providence held until Saturday, February 15th*
![]() |
Random Smile Gala - March 1, 2014 |
For additional information, check out the Random Smile webpage
In the News: food waste, school retention
Businesses required to change their food waste disposal methods this fall will have multiple options, including anaerobic digestion facilities. These new facilities have been met with mixed reactions from residents.
Under the new regulations, reusable food must be donated or "repurposed", and the remaining food waste must be composted, used as animal feed, or sent to one of the half dozen anaerobic digesters planned or currently operating in Massachusetts.Read the full article here: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140210/NEWS/140219890/1994/NEWS#sthash.XizQ4AEr.dpuf
The state is taking public input over the next few weeks as it crafts guidelines aimed at keeping students in school by reducing suspensions and expulsions.
The guidelines are part of a law passed in 2012 that requires public and charter school principals to keep students out of school only as a last resort. The proposed guidelines would require school officials to notify parents of suspensions, allow students to appeal and let those suspended complete assignments.Read the full article here: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140209/NEWS/140206423/1994/NEWS#sthash.0sJyW2fG.dpuf
Sunday, February 9, 2014
Walking Franklin (photo essay)
It was a bright sunny day on Saturday so I enjoyed my long walk stopping to take photos along the way.
![]() |
There is a reason they call this a baseball diamond |
![]() |
The monster tree on Main St at Dean College |
![]() |
Flag in the breeze on the Town Common |
![]() |
Many feet have played in this snow |
![]() |
No train uses these tracks |
![]() |
A rabbit made these tracks |
![]() |
Rockland Trust sign caught extra snow |
![]() |
white snow, white fence with shadows playing |
![]() |
snow for lunch anyone? |
![]() |
Anyone need their snow plowed? |
Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Feb 11, 2014
Note: The School Committee meeting will be in the 3rd Floor Training room instead of the Council Chambers for this session due to the budget workshop on the agenda.
Vision Statement
The Franklin Public Schools will foster within its students the knowledge and skills to find and achieve satisfaction in life as productive global citizens.
AGENDA
"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. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the January 28, 2014 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Mr. Clement
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
Correspondence:
1. Budget to Actual – Miriam Goodman
2. Community Reading Day Invitation – Evemarie McNeil
2. Discussion
Policy – Second Reading – KCDA
3. Action Items
a. I recommend acceptance of a check for $6,000.00 from the Jefferson PCC for supplies.
b. I recommend acceptance of a check for $3,288.00 from the Jefferson PCC for field trips.
c. I recommend acceptance of the donation of 10 laptops, valued at approximately $1,000.00, from Ziopharm Oncology, Inc. for the Franklin School District.
d. I recommend acceptance of a check for $558.00 from the Parmenter PCC for a Field trip.
e. I recommend approval of the request of the HMMS Ski Club to travel to Pats Peak in Henniker, NH on March 1, 2014 as detailed.
f. I recommend acceptance of several checks from the Oak Street PCC totaling $2,512.00 for field trips.
g. I recommend approval of the request to take Oak Street 2nd & 3rd graders to Roger Williams Planetarium on May 8th and May 29th as detailed.
h. I recommend approval of the request of Brad Sidwell for the Boys Ice Hockey Team travel to Barnstable, MA for a competition on Feb. 19-20, 2014 as detailed.
i. I recommend adoption of Policy KCDA –Memorial Commemorations as discussed.
4. Worksession
FY15 Budget Worksession
5. Adjourn
![]() |
Franklin, MA: Municipal Building |
"support the Munroe family"
The Milford Daily News writes of the fund raising event for the Monroe family:
Read the full article here: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140209/NEWS/140206628#sthash.qsCSGCpi.dpuf
Starting at 10 a.m. today, Delgado and a small group of others will be hosting a yard and bake sale at the VFW Post 3402 at 1034 Pond St. in Franklin.
Delgado said an email to her Facebook friends and to a yard sale website of which she is a member received more than 200 responses within an hour.
"It really is a group effort," she said.
Delgado said the group of organizers has received "tons" of donations from the entire local community, including raffle items from local businesses like Pinz, Pepperoncini’s, Bellingham Town Pizza and Noelle Day Spa and Salon.
Read the full article here: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140209/NEWS/140206628#sthash.qsCSGCpi.dpuf
![]() |
Candlelight celebration for Lexi and Sam at the Town Common |
"Why the 'Baby Line'?"
The Milford Daily News has a nice write up on the boys Franklin High School hockey team.
Read the full article: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140208/SPORTS/140206612/1020/SPORTS#sthash.zEZJoL8O.dpuf
The Saturday night game against Milford was reported on by HockomockSports.com
The Franklin boys hockey team was having one of its pasta parties as a player's house last year when a video — probably a DVD rather than VHS, considering their age — was unearthed.
"One of the dads found it from when we were squirts," senior Troy Donahue said. "It was really fun to see what we were like back then. They actually were doing interviews with all of us. It was pretty funny, I think in my interview they asked me for my name and I couldn't get it out. I stumbled over my own name.
"I'm definitely a lot better at wording things now."
Most of the Panthers have been playing together since they were babes, so perhaps it's fitting it's been the 'Baby Line' that's been making the difference now.
Read the full article: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140208/SPORTS/140206612/1020/SPORTS#sthash.zEZJoL8O.dpuf
The Saturday night game against Milford was reported on by HockomockSports.com
Franklin, 7 @ Milford, 1 - Final - Ryan Spillane recorded a hat trick, Troy Donahue added two goals, Mason Saunders and Vincent Geromini each scored once and Kyle Powers added two assists. Mike Donadio made 17 saves in net for Franklin. Drew Wilde scored Milford's lone goal.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)