|
Team Fitness Franklin | 100 Franklin Village Drive | Franklin | MA | 02038
|
Friday, June 20, 2014
TeamFitness: New Group Fitness Schedule, Kids Klubhouse and Blood Drive info
In the News: TriCounty builds a home, Food Pantry summer programs
Tri-County carpentry instructor John Lavigne has literally raised the stakes for his students to give them a hands-on lesson in the trade.
Juniors and seniors studying carpentry and the other building trades at the regional vocational technical high school have started the frame, roofing and window work for a modular home that will become available in June 2015 through Franklin’s affordable housing program.
For students used to building small mock-ups that they later tear down, the chance to erect a house that will stand for years has been as much a thrill as a challenge, Lavigne said.You can read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140620/NEWS/140629742/1994/NEWS
The Franklin Food Pantry this week announced it will offer fresh produce from local farms this summer.
The Healthy Futures Fresh Produce Market runs through October — open every Tuesday from 4 to 5 p.m. at 43 West Central St.
All of the fruits and vegetables arrive from local farms and community gardens, such as Hoffmann Farm, Akin Bak Farm and the Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School garden.You can read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140620/NEWS/140629743/1994/NEWS
Thursday, June 19, 2014
Electric Youth hit a high note before Council gets into the dirt
Do you recall this?
This was the resolution to form the creation of the Citizens Committee on the agenda for the Town Council in January 18, 2012.
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/01/creation-of-citizen-committee.html
Now the current Town Council is slightly different from the one in Jan 2012 but 6 of the 9 should remember this.
I was attracted by this because of the first objective: "enhancing citizen participation"
I applied, was appointed, was sworn in and then didn't attend a meeting as the Chair clearly indicated that the work would focus on the other objectives ("aesthetics of the community, and business development").
I find it interesting that had the committee focused on their original objective the whole town of Franklin might actually be in a better position.
Instead we continue to find Town Council meetings where everyone has only part of the information yet feels compelled to 'right the situation'.
Indeed, Wednesday night one of the projects that the Citizens Committee got involved in was raised for discussion during the presentation by the Panning and Committee Development Dept.
If the Citizens Committee had focused on "enhancing citizen participation," folks would be more informed on process and procedures. The level of communication and information sharing would be improved. Decisions and discussion would be based upon all the facts and not just part of the story or biased viewpoints.
We'll see... there is always hope... We need to stay out of the mud piles. No one ends up with a clean shirt after playing in the mud!
So the Electric Youth performance to open the meeting Wednesday evening was the high note. It all went downhill after that.
The full set of my notes reported live during the Wednesday meeting can be found here
WHEREAS, the Town Council continues to explore ways of making improvements to our community; and
WHEREAS, the Town Council would like participation by the citizens to provide valuable input.
Now therefore, be it resolved by the Franklin Town Council that a Citizen Committee is established. Said committee shall consist of 5 to 9 members to be appointed by the Town Council. Said committee shall make recommendations to the Town council on how to improve the quality of life for the citizens of Franklin in areas including but not limited to enhancing citizen participation, aesthetics of the community, and business development, and other recommendations that the Council deems appropriate. Said committee shall make its recommendations by December, 2012. This Resolution shall become effective according to the rules and regulations of the Town of Franklin Home Rule Charter.
This was the resolution to form the creation of the Citizens Committee on the agenda for the Town Council in January 18, 2012.
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/01/creation-of-citizen-committee.html
Now the current Town Council is slightly different from the one in Jan 2012 but 6 of the 9 should remember this.
I was attracted by this because of the first objective: "enhancing citizen participation"
I applied, was appointed, was sworn in and then didn't attend a meeting as the Chair clearly indicated that the work would focus on the other objectives ("aesthetics of the community, and business development").
I find it interesting that had the committee focused on their original objective the whole town of Franklin might actually be in a better position.
Instead we continue to find Town Council meetings where everyone has only part of the information yet feels compelled to 'right the situation'.
Indeed, Wednesday night one of the projects that the Citizens Committee got involved in was raised for discussion during the presentation by the Panning and Committee Development Dept.
- A family is looking to sell their property
- The development proposed requires a new zoning bylaw
- The development requires a special permit from the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Conservation Commission
- All the hearings are currently underway
- Advice to the Planning Board by the Town Attorney was taken out of context
- Should this matter be discussed as it is (was last night) with the hearings underway?
- Should members of the Council who recused themselves from the zoning discussion still be making comments on the matter?
- Apparently the developer is unaware of some critical procedural matters applicable to all of MA and not just Franklin (demolition of a structure categorized as 'historic')
- Apparently, the Council forgets from time to time that it is a governing body and should not be running the day to day operations of the Town
If the Citizens Committee had focused on "enhancing citizen participation," folks would be more informed on process and procedures. The level of communication and information sharing would be improved. Decisions and discussion would be based upon all the facts and not just part of the story or biased viewpoints.
We'll see... there is always hope... We need to stay out of the mud piles. No one ends up with a clean shirt after playing in the mud!
So the Electric Youth performance to open the meeting Wednesday evening was the high note. It all went downhill after that.
 |
| Electric Youth performing for Town Council |
The full set of my notes reported live during the Wednesday meeting can be found here
MassBudget: Rewarding Work: The Data on an $11 Minimum Wage
|
Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center | 15 Court Square | Suite 700 | Boston | MA | 02108
|
Blackstone River Theatre Summer Solstice Festival is THIS Saturday!
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
One of the highlights of each year's Solstice Festival is the after-festival music session held at Blackstone River Theatre, 549 Broad St. "It's designed to be an intimate, informal evening that allows attendees the chance to mingle with performers and hear some great music in a casual atmosphere," Russell Gusetti, Festival producer, explains. "We sell only 80 tickets to the event, and it has sold out the past two years, so we encourage folks to reserve a spot ahead of time. I
Blackstone River Theatre | 549 Broad Street | Cumberland | RI | 02864
|
Join us for this week's Ranger Walkabout
| Having trouble viewing this email? Click here |
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor | One Depot Square | Woonsocket | RI | 02895
|
herbicide spraying to begin
The herbicides Round-Up-Pro® will be applied in compliance with 333 CMR 11.00 via hand application and/or truck; mounted sprayer.
For additional information, please contact
Mr. Carlos Rebelo
Park and Ground Superintendent
Town of Franklin
257 Fisher Street
Franklin MA
-Tel: 508-520-4910
 |
| Franklin DPW 257 Fisher St |
This is re-posted from the Franklin webpage here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/01DB6B23-000F8513
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Live reporting: Legislation
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 14-43: Public Land Use Committee – Dissolution
motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0
2. Resolution 14-46: Confirmatory Order of Taking-Land at 92 Wachusett Street – 2/3 Vote
Padula recused himself
motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0-1
3. Bylaw Amendment 14-736: Amendment to Chapter 82, Appendix A, List of Service Fee Rates – 2nd Reading
motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0
4. Bylaw Amendment 14-738: Amendment to Chapter 179-9.1, Exhibit A, Water System Map - 1st Reading
motion to move to second reading, seconded, passed 9-0
K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
working on asbestos issues at the NU-Style building
will be meeting shortly to discuss the construction of Main St
L. OLD BUSINESS
Pfeffer - report on work orders on ATC, full report
Nutting - I'll check but I thought
Pfeffer - school work tickets? can you check into the process
Pfeffer - what about the school security alarms?
M. NEW BUSINESS
There is no bylaw that exists that restricts business within Franklin
The building inspector has been to talk with the owner and the operator
it would apply to everyone if we did a bylaw
Bissanti - the store was there before a lot of the houses
Kelly - I am recalling that some places couldn't open in certain hours
Nutting- liquor establishments have operating hours
restrict hours, prohibit 24 hour operations
Williams - the issue comes in with delivery of goods in the off hours, our hands are tied
Bissanti - that store serves a population that has to be early to work
Padula - can we look at opening the Recycling Hours on Sunday?
Nutting - I am not against it, it needs to follow the process, put it on for the agenda for a future meeting
Padula - how much time will it take to implement?
Nutting - I'd have to talk with the DPW, you also need to fund it
N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Bissanti - what is happening with the Conservation Commission? Do we have enough to vote?
Nutting - yes
Jones - on Board of MetroWest Partnership
collaboration of environment for regional and sustainable growth
conf Friday morning at 8:00 AM
all five governor candidates scheduled to speak
Pfeffer - congrats to Karen Alves for award received on care giver program
Kelly - 63 people over 90 at the lunch this week, congratulations
Mercer - high school project continues on-time, remain on or a little under budget
demolition to begin, 3rd or 4th week of July
field house and shop wing will be the first to go
invite 6:30pm 6/30/14 building committee to tour the new facility
Padula - get involved with your school, make us proud make your parents proud
Cerel - I have worked hard behind the scenes to work on the decisions
They have had a history of confusing the closing of a hearing with voting on a project without due deliberation, the Planning Board has not hard experience with this type of project, I don't know of the developer has had experience with this type of project. The projects he show cased he did not develop. The project has been re-designed with input of the Town.
P. ADJOURN
motion to adjourn, seconded, passed 9-0
Live reporting - Citizens Committee
Larry Benedetto
Citizens Committee
we'll be back in July (July 9th) to do some house keeping
I am going to have the whole the committee here
the citizens committee seems to be defined to represent the whole community
we don't want to slight anyone
recent debate about whether we should be related to the Council or not
complaining about the open meeting laws and meeting notifications
also consideration of associate members, to help maintain the quorum
would like to involved in the 'fast tracking' zoning initiative
we'd like to get involved in the Davis Thayer removal of the modular units
we'd like to get into the Downtown train station
hopefully have an update on the land swap with the State about the land next to the recycling center
we are on the cusp of some good things
our experience is this, when Mr Nutting is involved in the project, it moves smoothly
Jones - can you see if the Committee would be interested in addressing parking downtown
Nutting - I have spent the past 6 months working with the Downtown Partnership on parking, and will be coming before the Council with an update
Live reporting - Dept of Planning and Community Development
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
Director Bryan Taberner
(presentation copy to be added later)
summary of department operation and staffing
12 zoning bylaw amendments approved during 2014 thus far
working on re-consideration of requirements for special permits
Projects currently underway
Business attraction and retainage
recent press release on Platinum level for BioTech
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/05/franklin-is-bioreadyr-franklin-now.html
Downtown revitalization
multiple efforts underway
150 Emmons St, proposed Cultural District, downtown project (road construction)
Pfeffer - question on goal for creating economic development
Taberner - we are working quickly and effectively, we have developed the bylaws and changes in record time. The decisions are in the Planning Board hands, it was always known that there would be a special permit required.
Kelly - You're good as you are meeting the criteria. If it doesn't then it drags on and on
Taberner - I have one senior and no interns at the moment
No submissions of interest at this time
Padula - question on the possible push back from Town Council on the Cook's Farm issue
Nutting - this is a very complex project, it is always the Town's fault and that is not the case
Vallee - Mr Nutting is following the project, the developer is not aware of how to request demolition of building on site, that is another problem
Bissanti - if you were more sympatheic, you would direct your people to be more helpful
I don't care what you and Jeff say, developers are vilified in this town
Would you say that there is an anti-growth rhetoric in this town?
Taberner - absolutely not
In other communities, there is more madness than what happens here
If the project is thought out and well designed, meeting all the requirements, regulations and laws, you will get through very quickly
Director Bryan Taberner
(presentation copy to be added later)
summary of department operation and staffing
12 zoning bylaw amendments approved during 2014 thus far
working on re-consideration of requirements for special permits
Projects currently underway
- Solarize Franklin (about 14 families interested thus far, looking for more)
- 150 Emmons St (requests due at end of July)
- Pond St property (appraisal being done)
- Nu-Style property (building #2 demolition and ongoing environmental assessment)
Business attraction and retainage
- looking to attract the 'right' business mix
recent press release on Platinum level for BioTech
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/05/franklin-is-bioreadyr-franklin-now.html
Downtown revitalization
multiple efforts underway
150 Emmons St, proposed Cultural District, downtown project (road construction)
Pfeffer - question on goal for creating economic development
Taberner - we are working quickly and effectively, we have developed the bylaws and changes in record time. The decisions are in the Planning Board hands, it was always known that there would be a special permit required.
Kelly - You're good as you are meeting the criteria. If it doesn't then it drags on and on
Taberner - I have one senior and no interns at the moment
No submissions of interest at this time
Padula - question on the possible push back from Town Council on the Cook's Farm issue
Nutting - this is a very complex project, it is always the Town's fault and that is not the case
Vallee - Mr Nutting is following the project, the developer is not aware of how to request demolition of building on site, that is another problem
Bissanti - if you were more sympatheic, you would direct your people to be more helpful
I don't care what you and Jeff say, developers are vilified in this town
Would you say that there is an anti-growth rhetoric in this town?
Taberner - absolutely not
In other communities, there is more madness than what happens here
If the project is thought out and well designed, meeting all the requirements, regulations and laws, you will get through very quickly
Live Reporting - opening of meeting
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
two
one about the opening hours of the Lincoln St market
second - a member of the Cook family concerned about the delays in processing for permits and approvals for Cooks Farm development
E. APPOINTMENTS
– Annual Committee Re-appointments
See listing of appointees in published agenda
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2014/061814.pdf
F. HEARINGS
none
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
none
Live Reporting: Town Council - June 18, 2014
Present: Feldman, Padula, Mercer, Kelly, Vallee, Pfeffer, Jones, Bissanti, Williams
Absent: none
Skipping ahead in the agenda to the Electric Youth performance
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
– Franklin School for the Performing Arts
Absent: none
Skipping ahead in the agenda to the Electric Youth performance
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
– Franklin School for the Performing Arts
 |
| Rae Lynn Mercer introduces Electric Youth |
 |
| Electric Youth performing before the Town Council |
Easy Walks in Franklin - SNETT
We are fortunate to be able to share a few excerpts from "Easy Walks in Massachusetts: Bellingham, Blackstone, Franklin, Hopedale, Medway, Milford, Millis, Uxbridge, Wrentham, and Woonsocket, RI" recently published byMarjorie Turner Hollman.
Notable: This section of the SNETT (Southern New England Trunkline Trail) railtrail is mostly graded and cleared, and still being developed. Stone retaining walls, steep slopes to woods below the trail.
Trail Map: Available from Mass.gov website—Division of Conservation and Recreation (DCR).
GPS Coordinates: 42°3'43.06"N, 71°25'42.55"W
Directions: Rt. 495 exit 17, Rt. 140, Franklin, head toward Bellingham, Grove St is immediately past interchange, turn left at light. Follow Grove St. 2 miles, look for SNETT signs, parking on left, trailhead on right.
Cost: None.
Bathrooms: None.
Best time to visit: Year round. Cross-country skiing in winter.
Trail conditions: Wide, flat, unimproved former railbed. Steep climb up and over Prospect St. where trail is obstructed. Moguls created by dirt bikes. Graded from Grove St. to Spring St.
Distance: About 1.5 miles from Grove St. to Bellingham line.
You can obtain your own copy of this book via this Amazon link
Other easy walks in Franklin:
Beaver Pond/Chilson Beach
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/06/easy-walks-in-franklin-beaver-pond.html
Dacey Fields
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/06/easy-walks-in-franklin-dacey-fields.html
 |
| The entrance to the SNETT in winter |
Notable: This section of the SNETT (Southern New England Trunkline Trail) railtrail is mostly graded and cleared, and still being developed. Stone retaining walls, steep slopes to woods below the trail.
Trail Map: Available from Mass.gov website—Division of Conservation and Recreation (DCR).
GPS Coordinates: 42°3'43.06"N, 71°25'42.55"W
Directions: Rt. 495 exit 17, Rt. 140, Franklin, head toward Bellingham, Grove St is immediately past interchange, turn left at light. Follow Grove St. 2 miles, look for SNETT signs, parking on left, trailhead on right.
Cost: None.
Bathrooms: None.
Best time to visit: Year round. Cross-country skiing in winter.
Trail conditions: Wide, flat, unimproved former railbed. Steep climb up and over Prospect St. where trail is obstructed. Moguls created by dirt bikes. Graded from Grove St. to Spring St.
Distance: About 1.5 miles from Grove St. to Bellingham line.
 |
| Easy guide - SNETT |
This mostly unimproved former rail bed/right of way is owned by the Mass. Dept of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), extending from Franklin through Bellingham, Blackstone, Millville, Uxbridge, and into Douglas. Poor drainage due to removal of the original rail ballast, and “humps” caused by prohibited off-track vehicles poses both minor and major challenges in various sections.
The easternmost section in Franklin is graded (2013) but is otherwise unimproved. Proceeding west, the trail crosses Spring St and open farmland in just over half a mile. Watch for poison ivy. At about the 1-mile mark the trail is blocked by a 20-foot high infill where Prospect St crosses the trail. Stay off residential property and driveways.
From Prospect St. there is a .5 mile unimproved but passable stretch to the Lake St. Bellingham parking area. This section of the path offers 20-foot high rock cuts with original drill marks. The boundary between the Bellingham and Franklin sections of the trail is unmarked.
You can obtain your own copy of this book via this Amazon link
Other easy walks in Franklin:
Beaver Pond/Chilson Beach
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/06/easy-walks-in-franklin-beaver-pond.html
Dacey Fields
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/06/easy-walks-in-franklin-dacey-fields.html
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)